Article

Despite well-documented positive benefits, cardiac rehabilitation (CR)
is an underutilized resource for patients following a cardiac event or
intervention. Bias in the CR referral process has led to programs designed to
ensure that all eligible patients receive a referral. The purpose of the current
investigation was to describe the implementation of a nurse-delivered automatic
bedside referral process and to examine the effectiveness on referral and intake
rates for CR. METHODS: In 2007, an automatic CR referral system was implemented
at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. A nurse-delivered automatic bedside
referral process was implemented in 2008. A CR nurse screened all inpatient
charts, discussed CR benefits and program options with patients, triaged the
patient to the appropriate program, and facilitated booking of the CR intake
appointment. Data were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of this approach.
RESULTS: Only 15.5% to 19.7% of eligible patients participated in CR program
prior to 2006. Implementation of an automatic referral process increased
participation to 26.7%. The nurse-delivered bedside automatic referral process
increased participation to 32.6%. The proportion of patients receiving CR
referrals almost tripled following the implementation of the nurse-delivered
referral process from 26.7% in 2003 to 79.0% in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: A
nurse-delivered automatic bedside referral process had a positive impact on both
referral and intake to CR. Future challenges for CR programs will be to ensure
optimal participation in programs, while managing the growth associated with
increased rates of involvement.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI