Chessex, CarolineSimpson, ChrisTan, YongyaoGrace, Sherry2021-03-292021-03-292012-05Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention: May/June 2012 - Volume 32 - Issue 3 - p 135-1401932-7501https://doi.org/10.1097/HCR.0b013e31824e2df2http://hdl.handle.net/10315/38272BACKGROUND: Access to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains at approximately 30%, despite a national target of 70%. This study evaluated cardiac specialist and CR program perceptions of CR access and referral strategies. METHODS: Postal and online surveys of Canadian CR specialists and CR programs were administered. Responses were received from 71 of 765 CR specialists (9.3%) and 92 of 149 CR programs (61.7%). Respondents rated perceptions on 5-point Likert scales. RESULTS: Specialists rated patient access to CR as moderate (2.9 ± 1.4). While they reported that they refer 65.9% of their patients, they most frequently do not refer because their patients report disinterest (23.4%) or geographic barriers to access (23.4%). Cardiac rehabilitation programs reported having capacity to serve a median of 275 patients annually, yet reportedly serving up to 350. The most commonly used methods of referral included discharge order sets (over 60%) and allied health care provider support. Electronic referral was perceived to be highly effective (4.1 ± 1.0) yet the least frequently used. Cardiac rehabilitation programs perceived more patients are accessing CR because of these referral strategies, but increased patients strain program resources. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the least frequently used referral strategies were perceived as, and are also empirically demonstrated to be, most effective. Broader implementation of these strategies, while better-resourcing CR programs, may improve the continuum of care for cardiac patients.enThis is a non-final version of an article published in final form in (Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention: May/June 2012 - Volume 32 - Issue 3 - p 135-140). https://cdn-tp2.mozu.com/16833-m1/cms/files/Author-Document.pdf?_mzts=636519775710000000Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 InternationalLWW This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in (Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention: May/June 2012 - Volume 32 - Issue 3 - p 135-140). https://cdn-tp2.mozu.com/16833-m1/cms/files/Author-Document.pdf?_mzts=636519775710000000access to health carephysiciansreferralArticlehttps://journals.lww.com/jcrjournal/pages/default.aspxhttps://www.wolterskluwer.com/en-cahttps://journals.lww.com/jcrjournal/Abstract/2012/05000/Perceptions_of_Cardiac_Specialists_and.3.aspx