{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Clinical effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation and barriers to completion in patients of low socioeconomic status in rural areas: A mixed-methods study.
{Author}: Beleigoli A;Dafny HA;Pinero de Plaza MA;Hutchinson C;Marin T;Ramos JS;Suebkinorn O;Gebremichael LG;Bulamu NB;Keech W;Ludlow M;Hendriks J;Versace V;Clark RA;
{Journal}: Clin Rehabil
{Volume}: 38
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun 17
{Factor}: 2.884
{DOI}: 10.1177/02692155241236998
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To investigate cardiac rehabilitation utilisation and effectiveness, factors, needs and barriers associated with non-completion.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We used the mixed-methods design with concurrent triangulation of a retrospective cohort and a qualitative study.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Economically disadvantaged areas in rural Australia.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Patients (≥18 years) referred to cardiac rehabilitation through a central referral system and living in rural areas of low socioeconomic status.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A Cox survival model balanced by inverse probability weighting was used to assess the association between cardiac rehabilitation utilization and 12-month mortality/cardiovascular readmissions. Associations with non-completion were tested by logistic regression. Barriers and needs to cardiac rehabilitation completion were investigated through a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus groups (n = 28).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Among 16,159 eligible separations, 44.3% were referred, and 11.2% completed cardiac rehabilitation. Completing programme (HR 0.65; 95%CI 0.57-0.74; p < 0.001) led to a lower risk of cardiovascular readmission/death. Living alone (OR 1.38; 95%CI 1.00-1.89; p = 0.048), having diabetes (OR 1.48; 95%CI 1.02-2.13; p = 0.037), or having depression (OR 1.54; 95%CI 1.14-2.08; p = 0.005), were associated with a higher risk of non-completion whereas enrolment in a telehealth programme was associated with a lower risk of non-completion (OR 0.26; 95%CI 0.18-0.38; p < 0.001). Themes related to logistic issues, social support, transition of care challenges, lack of care integration, and of person-centeredness emerged as barriers to completion.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Cardiac rehabilitation completion was low but effective in reducing mortality/cardiovascular readmissions. Understanding and addressing barriers and needs through mixed methods can help tailor cardiac rehabilitation programmes to vulnerable populations and improve completion and outcomes.