2022 Quality Summit ePosters (Non-CE) - Chest Pain Center Accreditation-4. Cardiac Rehab: Referral Placements as a First Step to Attendance

4. Cardiac Rehab: Referral Placements as a First Step to Attendance

Pdf Summary

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a crucial part of the recovery process for patients following a heart attack. It involves a three-month program that includes personalized exercise training, education, and counseling on lifestyle changes. Studies have shown that participating in CR reduces the risk of future hospitalizations and overall mortality, especially when started soon after a heart attack.<br /><br />This project aims to improve the referral rate and participation in CR at Baylor Scott & White Lakeway Hospital (BSW-LW). The low referral rate at BSW-LW was attributed to the lack of in-house CR services, leading to patients not working with the CR team before discharge. To increase referrals, patients were provided with educational materials on CR and received communication from advanced practice providers and physicians.<br /><br />The initial data showed that BSW-LW had a referral rate of around 34%, significantly lower than the rate at BSW-RR. After implementing the intervention over a three-month period, the referral rate at BSW-LW increased by approximately 21%, surpassing the initial goal.<br /><br />Improving the referral rate and increasing participation in CR is expected to lower the rate of future hospitalizations and reduce overall mortality in this patient population. The long-term impact of this intervention on participation rates in CR will be further assessed.<br /><br />The authors have no financial conflicts of interest related to this project.<br /><br />References:<br />1. Taylor RS, Brown A, Ebrahim S, et al. Exercise-based rehabilitation for patients with coronary heart disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Medicine. May 6, 2004.<br />2. "Number Check." American College of Cardiology. Accessed October 8, 2021.<br /><br />(Figures not included in the summary)

Keywords

cardiac rehabilitation

recovery process

heart attack

exercise training

education

lifestyle changes

referral rate

participation

hospitalizations

mortality