Grace, Sherry L.Raidah, Fabbiha2025-04-102025-04-102024-05-012025-04-10https://hdl.handle.net/10315/42705Cardiovascular diseases are a leading burden of morbidity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is key to secondary prevention, though limited in LMIC. CR registries promote quality improvement (QImp), to support program augmentation. This thesis comprised a mixed-methods and a qualitative study assessing QImp within the International CR registry (ICRR) for LMIC. Descriptive and inductive-thematic analyses were applied. Study 1 focused on the development and implementation of ICRR’s Program Certification in LMICs. Five/5 CR programs ultimately achieved certification, with feasibility demonstrated. Four themes emerged from a focus group with 13 ICRR data stewards: motivation/benefits, logistics, the standards and suggestions. Study 2 explored ICRR-participating programs' QImp needs and evaluated registry support. Focus group with nine participants and 4 respondents providing written input revealed three themes related to facilitators, barriers and supports. Overall, these studies emphasize the importance of CR registries in supporting the quality of CR in LMIC.Author owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.Electronic Thesis or Dissertation2025-04-10Cardiovascular diseasesRegistriesQuality improvementCardiac rehabilitationDelivery of health careQuality of careCertificationLow- and middle-income countries