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Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 10:55 AM
Learning Objective 1: identify the steps undertaken in the evidence-based approach to developing and implementing an advanced practice initiative for Women in Canada's largest Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre.
Learning Objective 2: understand how the principles of women's health and chronic disease management have facilitated practice recommendations.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women in Canada (HSFC, 2001). Secondary prevention strategies such as participation in a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program can reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality by 25% within the first three years following a cardiac event (CACR, 2004; Taylor et al., 2004). Unfortunately, women are consistently underrepresented in CR programs and therefore not experiencing the associated health benefits (positive CAD risk factor modifications, improved exercise tolerance, quality of life) that such programs have to offer. Our program enrols approximately 400 women per year (30%), which is considerably less than the 1200 men who participate yearly (70%). Lower referral rates, poor compliance as well as high drop out rates remain key issues in need of further examination and follow up (Bittner et al, 2003; Marzolini et al., 2008). Cardiac rehabilitation should be considered the standard of care for all patients living with cardiac disease (AHA, 2007, CACR, 2004). The purpose of this Advanced Practice Women’s Initiative is to narrow the gap in CR services delivery through the development of an evidence-based initiative specific to women’s needs. Consistent with the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation (CACR, 2004) Guidelines and the direction of Women's planning team, the goals of this initiative include:
1) Improved referral, access, participation and adherence in a CR program,
2)Improved functional capacity, risk factor modification, psychosocial/emotional health and social support,
3)A focus on clinical approaches and educational opportunities specific to women’s needs,
4)Eventual further engagement of CR alumnae and community outreach.
The framework for this initiative focuses on three pillars of care specific to women's needs including clinical, education and research. This presentation will overview the evidence-based approach taken to facilitate the implementation of this initiative based on the principles of women's health and chronic disease management.
1) Improved referral, access, participation and adherence in a CR program,
2)Improved functional capacity, risk factor modification, psychosocial/emotional health and social support,
3)A focus on clinical approaches and educational opportunities specific to women’s needs,
4)Eventual further engagement of CR alumnae and community outreach.
The framework for this initiative focuses on three pillars of care specific to women's needs including clinical, education and research. This presentation will overview the evidence-based approach taken to facilitate the implementation of this initiative based on the principles of women's health and chronic disease management.