Barriers to Establishing Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

The core of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is structured exercise training. CR reduces 28-56% hospital readmission rate, and around 25% increases cardiorespiratory fitness but the number of outpatients CR centers in Saudi Arabia (SA) is very limited and there is a need to establish outpatient CR (Phase III) in SA. Furthermore, the awareness of outpatient CR in SA is unknown.

To determine the main barriers to establishing an outpatient CR program (Phase III) in the western region of SA, as well as assess the awareness of outpatient CR (Phase III) in the western region of SA.

A cross-sectional study survey was conducted between March - July 2021 among physiotherapists, cardiologists and the cardiac surgeon using a questionnaire distributed electronically to determine the awareness level of outpatient CR and barriers to establishing outpatient CR (Phase III) in the western region of SA. Frequencies and percentages were used to report the variables.

Of the 141 participants who completed the online survey, our findings showed that 131 (93%) were aware of CR but only 29 (21%) were aware of the four phases of CR. There were three main barriers to establishing CR: lack of appropriate CR 135 (96%); lack of awareness among healthcare professions of CR and its benefits 134 (95%) and the lack of healthcare providers trained in CR 133 (94%). There was a significant relationship between physiotherapists and cardiologists' responses on agreeing to all barriers to establishing CR in SA (r=0.69, P =0.03).

To overcome the barriers to establishing CR outpatient centers in the western region of SA, it is recommended to provide more CR outpatient training programs to healthcare providers and raise the awareness of the CR phases, its benefits, and the risk factors for developing cardiac diseases among healthcare providers.