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A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
04:24

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Published on: April 19, 2019

Cardiac rehabilitation services in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Shamila Shanmugasegaram1, Carmen Perez-Terzic, Xiaolian Jiang

  • 1Shamila Shanmugasegaram, MSc Graduate Student, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Canada. Carmen Perez-Terzic, MD, PhD Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Xiaolian Jiang, PhDProfessor, West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Sherry L. Grace, PhD Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, and Director of Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|July 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) benefits patients with cardiovascular disease, but services are scarce in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Increased policy implementation is needed to expand tailored CR programs globally and nationally.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease mortality is rising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective intervention for cardiovascular disease.
  • The availability and characteristics of CR services in LMICs are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the presence and accessibility of CR services in LMICs.
  • To describe the structure and components of CR programs in LMICs.
  • To evaluate the impact of CR on patient outcomes in LMICs.

Main Methods:

  • Scoping review of literature and grey literature.
  • Inclusion of studies from LMICs (World Bank criteria).
  • Defined CR as programs including exercise and education for adults with cardiovascular diseases.

Main Results:

  • CR is available in 32 (22.1%) LMICs, with greater accessibility noted in Latin America and the Caribbean (56% of institutions with cardiac catheterization facilities).
  • CR programs offer exercise, dietary advice, education, and psychological support.
  • Fifteen studies reported positive outcomes for CR interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Despite proven benefits, CR services are limited in LMICs.
  • Policy interventions are required to increase the provision of tailored CR models.
  • Global and national strategies with evaluation are necessary to expand CR access.
Abstract

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