Improving cardiac rehabilitation services--challenges for cardiac rehabilitation coordinators

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a long term multifactorial rehabilitation program aimed at the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. However, delivery of CR services is less than optimal.

This study explored the perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) coordinators relating to challenges for improving the delivery of CR services.

The study design used qualitative, semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews with 20 CR coordinators from NSW Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic content analysis was undertaken to identify common themes.

Twenty CR coordinators participated in the study. Three major themes including obstacles to delivering cardiac rehabilitation services, challenges in achieving continuity and coordination, and complexities in delivering evidence-based health care were identified. Study findings indicate that limited service capacity due to a lack of investment and planning, rurality, lack of knowledge, and communication difficulties, are major challenges that CR coordinators need to overcome to provide effective services.

The experiences of participants provide some detailed insight into the barriers encountered in providing CR services. The main message from this study is that providing CR services is a complex process and is collectively influenced by the health care system; professional and provider issues; and program characteristics.