Increasing patient-initiation of cardiac rehabilitation referral in female percutaneous coronary intervention patients.

Substantial health risks continue following coronary revascularization, and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays a large role in enhancing prognosis. However, fewer women than men are referred to and participate in CR. This study prospectively evaluates a psycho-educational intervention designed to increase patient-initiation of CR referral discussion with their physician, It was hypothesized that an educational brochure along with a motivational interview would facilitate the discussion of CR between physicians and female patients, ultimately resulting in increased referral of women to CR when compared to a control group. Eighty female percutaneous coronary intervention patients were recruited from two acute care sites in Toronto, Ontario. Eight weeks later, a second research assistant blind to condition telephoned participants to assess aftercare and CR referral processes. Results showed that patients in the experimental group more often discussed CR with a health care provider (chi2(1)=5.99, p=.01), and there was a trend toward increased referral when compared to control patients (chi2(1)=2.83, p=.09). Gaps in secondary prevention are noted, and areas for improved referral of women patients to CR are discussed.