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A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Exploring Factors Influencing Healthcare Providers' Referral Decisions to Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Riyadh
Tasneem Rashed Adam1, Abdullah I Al-Sharif2, Nawaf Abdullah Alsaadi3
1Dental Health Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Patient Experience
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Referral rates for cardiac rehabilitation programs remain low. Barriers include limited access, patient factors, and staff shortages, necessitating improved strategies in Saudi Arabia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) are vital for cardiovascular disease (CVD) patient outcomes but face suboptimal referral rates.
- Understanding healthcare provider referral practices is crucial for improving CRP utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing healthcare provider referral decisions to CRPs in Riyadh City.
- To identify barriers and preferences related to CRPs among healthcare professionals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire.
- Survey distributed to 166 physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals in Riyadh.
Main Results:
- Approximately 40% of participants referred patients to CRPs; nurses had the highest referral rate.
- Referral likelihood correlated with 5-10 years of professional experience (p=0.04).
- Key barriers included limited center availability, patient refusal/mobility issues, staff shortages, comorbidities, and lack of awareness.
Conclusions:
- Strategies are needed to enhance CRP accessibility and referral practices in Saudi Arabia.
- Expanding services, improving provider training, and integrating referral pathways are recommended.
- Further research with larger samples is advised to optimize CRP utilization.
