Smoking Cessation and Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Priority!

Cardiac rehabilitation programmes afford the opportunity to enhance cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of subsequent cardiac events. They permit the management of cardiac risk factors while addressing significant psychosocial and vocational issues. Tobacco addiction is the most important of the modifiable cardiac risk factors, and smoking cessation is the most important secondary prevention strategy. Cessation is more likely when cessation pharmacotherapy is accompanied by supportive advice and strategic assistance. A systematic approach to the delivery of cessation services, such as the Ottawa Model of Smoking Cessation, greatly enhances the likelihood of success. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes are ideal venues for the delivery of such programmes.

Single versus multi-item self-assessment of sedentary behaviour: A comparison with objectively measured sedentary time in nurses.

OBJECTIVES: To compare sedentary time (ST) measured by self-report using a single question from the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (SF-IPAQ), 18-items from the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ) and objectively using an accelerometer among a large sample of nurses. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Participants wore an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer (≥4 days, ≥10h/day) and self-reported usual day sitting using the IPAQ and sitting in different modes using the SBQ. Measures were compared using correlations, a Friedman test with Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests for pairwise comparisons, linear regression and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: A total of 313 nurses (95% female; mean±SD: age=43±12 years) from 14 hospitals participated. Participants self-reported sitting for a median of 240min/day using the SF-IPAQ and 328min/day using the SBQ. Median ST measured by the ActiGraph was 434min/day. All measures were weakly correlated with each other (ρ=0.31-40, ps<0.001). Limits of agreement were wide between all measures. Significant proportional bias between the ActiGraph and the SF-IPAQ and SBQ existed, suggesting that with greater amounts of ST, there is greater disagreement between the self-report and objective measures. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of nurses, self-reported ST using the SF-IPAQ and SBQ was significantly lower than that measured by accelerometer. A single-item tool performed more poorly than a multi-item questionnaire. Future studies should consider including both objective and self-report measures of ST, and where possible use a tool that quantifies ST across multiple domains, define a 'usual day' and are meaningful for those with daily schedule variations such as among shift-worker populations.

Effectiveness of performance coaching for enhancing rates of smoking cessation treatment delivery by primary care providers: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Smoking cessation is one of the most powerful preventive interventions available to primary care providers. Rates of tobacco treatment delivery in primary care settings, however, remain sub-optimal. This paper reports on rationale, design, and protocol for a matched-paired, cluster-randomized controlled trial to compare the incremental effectiveness of performance coaching on physician delivery of smoking cessation assistance when delivered as part of a practice-level intervention for smoking cessation (the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation; OMSC). Outcome measures included frequency of provider smoking cessation treatment delivery, patient quit attempts, and 7-day point prevalence abstinence measured at 6 months, and changes in provider attitudes and beliefs related to smoking cessation treatment delivery. Primary care clinics were randomly assigned, using a matched paired design, to one of two treatment conditions: OMSC Group or OMSC+Performance Coaching Group. All practices were supported with implementing the OMSC. Half of the practices also received a 1.5 hour, skills-based, coaching session to address barriers encountered in the delivery of smoking cessation treatments and individualized performance feedback reports. All providers, and a cross sectional sample of patients from their practices, were surveyed before and after the implementation of the intervention. Multi-level modeling was used to compare intervention groups. If shown to be effective, the study will lead to an improved understanding of how to best assist clinicians to enhance the delivery of smoking cessation practice and will provide evidence to guide the design of smoking cessation interventions in primary care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01603524.

E-health physical activity interventions and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity levels among working-age women: a systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: The rapid pace of modern life requires working-age women to juggle occupational, family, and social demands. Despite the large numbers of working-age women in developed countries and the proven benefits of regular moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity (MVPA) in chronic disease prevention, few women meet current physical activity (PA) recommendations of 150 min of MVPA per week. It is important that appropriate and effective behavioral interventions targeting PA are identified and developed to improve the MVPA levels of working-age women. As women worldwide embrace modern technologies, e-health innovations may provide opportune and convenient methods of implementing programs and strategies to target PA in an effort to improve MVPA levels and cardiometabolic health. Previous reviews on this topic have been limited; none have focused on working-age women from developed countries who exhibit inappropriately low PA levels. It remains unknown as to which e-health interventions are most effective at increasing MVPA levels in this population. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the effectiveness of e-health interventions in raising MVPA levels among working-age women in developed countries and to examine the effectiveness of these interventions in improving the health of women. METHODS: Eight electronic databases will be searched to identify all prospective cohort and experimental studies examining the impact of e-health interventions for increasing MVPA levels among working-age women (mean age 18-65 years) in developed countries. Gray literature including theses, dissertations, and government reports will also be examined. Study quality will be assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist, and risk of bias will be assessed within and across all included studies using the Cochrane's risk of bias tool and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A quantitative synthesis in the form of meta-analyses for measures of MVPA and health outcomes will be conducted where possible. DISCUSSION: This review will determine the effectiveness of e-health interventions in raising MVPA levels in working-age women in developed countries. It will form a contemporary, rigorously developed, and reliable research base for policy makers and stakeholders; and inform and influence the development and implementation of effective e-health interventions designed to increase MVPA levels and improve health outcomes in this population. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42014009534.

Economic evaluation of a hospital-initiated intervention for smokers with chronic disease, in Ontario, Canada.

INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking causes many chronic diseases that are costly and result in frequent hospitalisation. Hospital-initiated smoking cessation interventions increase the likelihood that patients will become smoke-free. We modelled the cost-effectiveness of the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC), an intervention that includes in-hospital counselling, pharmacotherapy and posthospital follow-up, compared to usual care among smokers hospitalised with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unstable angina (UA), heart failure (HF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We completed a cost-effectiveness analysis based on a decision-analytic model to assess smokers hospitalised in Ontario, Canada for AMI, UA, HF, and COPD, their risk of continuing to smoke and the effects of quitting on re-hospitalisation and mortality over a 1-year period. We calculated short-term and long-term cost-effectiveness ratios. Our primary outcome was 1-year cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. RESULTS: From the hospital payer's perspective, delivery of the OMSC can be considered cost effective with 1-year cost per QALY gained of $C1386, and lifetime cost per QALY gained of $C68. In the first year, we calculated that provision of the OMSC to 15 326 smokers would generate 4689 quitters, and would prevent 116 rehospitalisations, 923 hospital days, and 119 deaths. Results were robust within numerous sensitivity analyses. DISCUSSION: The OMSC appears to be cost-effective from the hospital payer perspective. Important consideration is the relatively low intervention cost compared to the reduction in costs related to readmissions for illnesses associated with continued smoking.

Individual, social and physical environmental correlates of sedentary behaviours in adults: a systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Adults spend the majority of their time being sedentary, and evidence suggests that those who spend more of their day engaged in sedentary activities (TV viewing, sitting, screen-based activities) are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality, regardless of whether they exercise regularly. In order to develop effective interventions to reduce sedentary time, it is necessary to identify and understand the strongest modifiable factors of these behaviours. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to examine the available evidence in order to identify individual, social, environmental and policy correlates and determinants of sedentary behaviours (TV time, sitting time, screen time) and total sedentary time among adults. METHODS/DESIGN: Six electronic databases will be searched to identify all studies that report on individual, social and/or environmental correlates and determinants of sedentary behaviours and total sedentary time in adults. Grey literature sources including theses, published conference abstracts and websites from relevant organizations will also be included. Articles that report on modifiable individual (e.g. health behaviours and status, self-efficacy, socio-economic status), social (e.g. crime, safety, social support, climate and capital), environmental (e.g. weather, workplace, home, neighbourhood, recreation environment, transportation environment) and policy correlates and determinants (based on study design) of sedentary behaviours in an adult population (mean age ≥18 years) will be included. Study quality and risk of bias will be assessed within and across all included studies. Harvest plots will be used to synthesize results across all correlates, and meta-analyses will be conducted where possible among studies with sufficient homogeneity. DISCUSSION: This review will provide a comprehensive examination of evidence in the field and will serve to highlight gaps for future research on the determinants of sedentary behaviours and inform intervention design. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42014009814.

Delivering evidence-based smoking cessation treatment in primary care practice: experience of Ontario family health teams.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the delivery of evidence-based smoking cessation treatments (EBSCTs) within a sample of 40 Ontario family health teams (FHTs). DESIGN: In each FHT, consecutive patients were screened for smoking status and eligible patients completed a questionnaire immediately following their clinic visits (index visits). Multilevel analysis was used to examine FHT-level, provider-level, and patient-level predictors of EBSCT delivery. SETTING: Forty FHTs in Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: Across the 40 participating FHTs, 24,033 patients were screened and 2501 eligible patients contributed data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Provider performance in the delivery of EBSCTs during the preceding 12 months and during the index visits was assessed. RESULTS: The rate of provider delivery of EBSCT for the previous 12 months was 74.0% for the advise strategy. At the index visit, rates of EBSCT strategy delivery were 56.8% for ask; 46.9% for advise; 38.7% for assist; 11.6% for prescribing pharmacotherapy; and 11.3% for arrange follow-up. Significant intra-FHT and intraprovider variability in the rates of EBSCT delivery was identified. Family health teams with a physician champion (odds ratio [OR] 2.0; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.6; P < .01) and providers who highly ranked the importance of smoking cessation (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.7; P < .01) were more likely to deliver EBSCTs. Patient readiness to quit (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 1.9; P < .001), presence of smoking-related illness (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.1; P < .01), and presenting for an annual health examination (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.5; P < .001) were associated with the delivery of EBSCTs. CONCLUSION: Rates of smoking cessation advice were higher than previously reported for Canadian physicians; however, rates of assistance with quitting were lower. Future quality improvement initiatives should specifically target increasing the rates of screening and advising among low-performing FHTs and providers within FHTs, with a particular emphasis on doing so at all clinic appointments; and improving the rate at which assistance with quitting is delivered.

Flexible and extended dosing of nicotine replacement therapy or varenicline in comparison to fixed dose nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation: rationale, methods and participant characteristics of the FLEX trial.

Quitting smoking is the single most effective strategy to reduce morbidity and premature mortality in smokers. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in smoking cessation, but few studies have directly compared varenicline and monotherapy nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and none have examined varenicline and combinations of NRT products. The majority of smoking cessation trials involve carefully circumscribed populations, making their results less generalizable to those with severe medical conditions or psychiatric comorbidities. This paper reports on the rationale, methodology and participant characteristics of a randomized controlled trial designed to: (1) determine which pharmacotherapy - NRT, long term combinations of NRT, or varenicline - is most effective in achieving abstinence; (2) investigate the incidence of neuropsychiatric symptoms among participants over the course of their quit attempt; and (3) assess whether there is a significant difference in the incidence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in those receiving differing pharmacotherapies, and between those with and without psychiatric illnesses. The primary outcome was carbon monoxide confirmed abstinence from weeks 5-52 following a target quit date. Secondary outcomes included neuropsychiatric (i.e., depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, anger) and withdrawal symptoms. Smokers (N=737) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions, and were scheduled to attend 8 follow-up appointments over 12 months. All participants received 6-15 minute practical counseling sessions with nurse counselors experienced in treating tobacco dependence. We expect that the results will lead to an enhanced understanding of the efficacy of these pharmacotherapies, including those with a history of psychiatric illness.

A comparison of barriers to use of home- versus site-based cardiac rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: Despite the established benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), it remains significantly underutilized. It is unknown whether patient barriers to enrollment and adherence are addressed by offering choice of program type. The purpose of this study was to examine barriers to participation in CR by program type (site- vs home-based program) and the relation of these barriers to degree of program participation and exercise behavior. METHODS: One thousand eight hundred nine cardiac patients from 11 hospitals across Ontario completed a sociodemographic survey inhospital, and clinical data were extracted from medical records. They were mailed a followup survey 1 year later, which included the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Participants were also asked whether they attended CR, the type of program model attended, and the percentage of prescribed sessions completed. RESULTS: Overall, 939 patients (51.9%) participated in CR, with 96 (10.3%) participating in a home-based program. Home-based participants reported significantly greater CR barriers, including distance, than site-based participants (P < .001). Mean barrier scores were significantly and negatively related to session completion and physical activity among site-based (Ps < .05), but not home-based (NS), CR participants. CONCLUSION: The barriers to CR are significantly different among patients attending site- versus home-based programs, suggesting appropriate use of alternative models of care. Patient preferences should be considered when allocating patients to program models. Once in CR, programs should work toward identifying and tackling barriers among site-based participants.

Effectiveness of inpatient and outpatient strategies in increasing referral and utilization of cardiac rehabilitation: a prospective, multi-site study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the evidence of benefit, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains highly underutilized. The present study examined the effect of two inpatient and one outpatient strategy on CR utilization: allied healthcare provider completion of referral (a policy that had been endorsed and approved by the cardiac program leadership in advance; PRE-APPROVED); CR intake appointment booked before hospital discharge (PRE-BOOKED); and early outpatient education provided at the CR program shortly after inpatient discharge (EARLY ED).In this prospective observational study, 2,635 stable cardiac inpatients from 11 Ontario hospitals completed a sociodemographic survey, and clinical data were extracted from charts. One year later, participants were a mailed survey that assessed CR use. Participating inpatient units and CR programs to which patients were referred were coded to reflect whether each of the strategies was used (yes/no). The effect of each strategy on participants' CR referral and enrollment was examined using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: A total of 1,809 participants completed the post-test survey. Adjusted analyses revealed that the implementation of one of the inpatient strategies was significantly related to greater referral and enrollment (PRE-APPROVED: OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.26 to 3.05, and OR = 2.91, 95%CI = 2.20 to 3.85, respectively). EARLY ED also resulted in significantly greater enrollment (OR = 4.85, 95%CI = 2.96 to 7.95). CONCLUSIONS: These readily-implementable strategies could significantly increase access to and enrollment in CR for the cardiac population. The impact of these strategies on wait times warrants exploration.

Cost-effectiveness of exercise programs in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: A randomized controlled trial has shown that supervised, facility-based exercise training is effective in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. However, these programs are associated with additional costs. This analysis assessed the cost-effectiveness of such programs. METHODS: Analysis used data from the Diabetes Aerobic and Resistance Exercise (DARE) clinical trial which compared three different exercise programs (resistance, aerobic or a combination of both) of 6 months duration with a control group (no exercise program). Clinical outcomes at 6 months were entered for individual patients into the UKPDS economic model for type 2 diabetes adapted for the Canadian context. From this, expected life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs were estimated for all patients within the trial. RESULTS: The combined exercise program was the most expensive ($40,050) followed by the aerobic program ($39,250), the resistance program ($38,300) and no program ($31,075). QALYs were highest for combined (8.94), followed by aerobic (8.77), resistance (8.73) and no program (8.70). The incremental cost per QALY gained for the combined exercise program was $4,792 compared with aerobic alone, $8,570 compared with resistance alone, and $37,872 compared with no program. The combined exercise program remained cost-effective for all scenarios considered within sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A program providing training in both resistance and aerobic exercise was the most cost-effective of the alternatives compared. Based on previous funding decisions, exercise training for individuals with diabetes can be considered an efficient use of resources.

A randomised controlled pilot study of standardised counselling and cost-free pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation among stroke and TIA patients.

Background Tobacco use is a major risk factor for recurrent stroke. The provision of cost-free quit smoking medications has been shown to be efficacious in increasing smoking abstinence in the general population. Objective The objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and obtain preliminary data on the effectiveness of providing cost-free quit smoking pharmacotherapy and counselling to smokers identified in a stroke prevention clinic. Trial design Cluster randomised controlled trial. Methods All patients seen at the Ottawa Hospital Stroke Prevention Clinic who smoked more five or more cigarettes per day, were ready to quit smoking in the next 30 days, and were willing to use pharmacotherapy were invited to participate in the study. All participants were advised to quit smoking and treated using a standardised protocol including counselling and pharmacotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to either a prescription only usual care group or an experimental group who received a 4-week supply of cost-free quit smoking medications and a prescription for medication renewal. All patients received follow-up counselling. The primary outcome was biochemically validated quit rates at 26 weeks. The research coordinator conducting outcome assessment was blind to group allocation. Results Of 219 smokers screened, 73 were eligible, 28 consented and were randomised, and 25 completed the 26-week follow-up assessment. All 28 patients randomised were included in the analysis. The biochemically validated 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate in the experimental group compared to the usual care group was 26.6% vs 15.4% (adjusted OR 2.00, 95% CI 0.33 to 13.26; p=0.20). Conclusions It would be feasible to definitively evaluate this intervention in a large multi-site trial. Trial registration number http://ClinicalTrials.gov # UOHI2010-1.

Systematic approaches to smoking cessation in the cardiac setting.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Constituents of tobacco smoke are prothrombotic and atherogenic and causative factors in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Smoking cessation is the single most important intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality in smokers with CHD. This review presents contemporary information regarding treatments for smoking cessation in the setting of CHD. RECENT FINDINGS: The beneficial effects of smoking cessation may be mediated by improvements in endothelial function. Failure to quit smoking in those with CHD is a typical consequence of nicotine addiction. Practical counseling and pharmacotherapy [nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline] are well tolerated and effective treatments for CHD patients attempting to quit smoking. Treatments initiated in hospital following a CHD-related event or procedure are more effective than those initiated outside the hospital setting. Extending medication use beyond the initial treatment phase is the most promising means of preventing relapse. Financial coverage for smoking cessation pharmacotherapy improves quit rates. The routine provision of pharmacotherapy and practical counseling in the CHD setting can be assured by implementing proven, systematic approaches to smoking cessation treatment. SUMMARY: Smoking cessation is a fundamental priority in smokers with CHD. Systematic approaches to ensure that cessation assistance is provided by clinicians and to improve cessation outcomes for smokers are effective and available.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to dietary sodium among 35- to 50-year-old Ontario residents.

BACKGROUND: Excessive consumption of dietary sodium is an important public health issue. Little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to sodium consumption among Canadians. OBJECTIVE: To examine knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to sodium consumption among a sample of Canadians 35 to 50 years of age. METHODS: A random-digit-dial telephone survey was conducted among adults aged 35 to 50 years of age in two regions in Ontario. Logistic regression was used to examine the likelihood of having taken action in the past 30 days to reduce sodium consumption, and the likelihood that respondents were intending to reduce sodium in the next six months. RESULTS: A total of 3130 interviews were completed. The majority of respondents were aware of excessive sodium consumption as a health issue and reported that they were taking action to reduce their dietary sodium intake. A large proportion of respondents did not correctly identify many foods as being high in sodium and, consequently, may have incorrectly believed they were consuming healthy amounts of sodium. Respondents who believed sodium reduction was important were more likely to have taken action to reduce sodium within the previous 30 days. Respondents who self-identified as consuming too much sodium were less likely to have taken action. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that in addition to policy changes designed to reduce the sodium content of foods, there is a need to address the low levels of knowledge surrounding sources of excessive sodium in popular Canadian foods, the importance of a reduced intake of sodium and the availability of lower-sodium alternatives.

Cost-effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation program delivery models in patients at varying cardiac risk, reason for referral, and sex.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relative cost-effectiveness of different secondary prevention cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program designs or how cost-effectiveness is influenced by patient clinical and demographic characteristics. The purpose of the study was (i) to evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness of a standard 3-month CR program (SCR) versus a program distributed over 12 months (distributed CR, DCR); and (ii) to determine the effect of patient demographic characteristics (cardiac risk, cardiac diagnosis, sex) on incremental cost-effectiveness. METHODS: A two group cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial. Patients with coronary artery disease (mean age=58 years, SD+/-10) were randomized to either SCR (n=196) or DCR (n=196) and followed for 24 months. Program delivery costs, cardiac healthcare use, morbidity, mortality, and quality-adjusted life years were assessed. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated with incremental cost-utility analysis. RESULTS: In the pooled analysis, we found the probability of SCR being more cost-effective than DCR was 63-67%. The subanalysis found SCR to be the more cost-effective intervention for patients at high risk, patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft and for male patients. The DCR program was more cost-effective for patients with lower risk of disease progression and for female patients. CONCLUSION: Differences were noted in the cost-effectiveness of CR models based on cardiac risk level, reason for referral, and demographic characteristics. Our results suggest improved cost-effectiveness may be gained by triaging patients to different CR intervention models, however, further investigation is required.

Barriers to supervised exercise training in a randomized controlled trial of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Exercise adherence is a challenge for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy but few studies have identified the key barriers. PURPOSE: In this paper, we report the barriers to supervised exercise in breast cancer patients participating in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Breast cancer patients initiating adjuvant chemotherapy (N = 242) were randomly assigned to usual care (n = 82) or supervised resistance (n = 82) or aerobic (n = 78) exercise. Participants randomized to the two exercise groups (n = 160) were asked to provide a reason for each missed exercise session. RESULTS: The two exercise groups attended 70.2% (5,495/7,829) of their supervised exercise sessions and provided a reason for missing 89.5% (2,090/2,334) of their unattended sessions. The 2,090 reasons represented 36 different barriers. Feeling sick (12%), fatigue (11%), loss of interest (9%), vacation (7%), and nausea/vomiting (5%) accounted for the most missed exercise sessions. Disease/treatment-related barriers (19 of the 36 barriers) accounted for 53% (1,102/2,090) of all missed exercise sessions. Demographic and medical variables did not predict the types of exercise barriers reported. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers to supervised exercise in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are varied but over half can be directly attributed to the disease and its treatments. Behavioral support programs need to focus on strategies to maintain exercise in the face of difficult treatment side effects.

A model for exercise behavior change regulation in patients with heart disease.

Despite the known benefits of habitual exercise in patients with heart disease, less than half of these patients exercise regularly and many of those who initiate programs fail to maintain physical activity routines over the long term. The aim of this research was to examine processes related to short- and long-term regulation of exercise to gain a clearer understanding of why people might fail to maintain intended behavioral changes. We modeled intention formation and plan formulation to investigate the distinct roles of self-efficacy and motivation (self-determination) in different phases of behavior change. Our results showed self-efficacy to be more relevant to exercise intentions and motivation to exercise planning. This research provides evidence supporting the proposition that the psychological processes related to short- and long-term regulation of behavior change differ and suggests that people might fail to continue regulating intended behavior owing to a lack of self-determined motivation.

Economic evaluation of cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Economic evaluation is an important tool in the evaluation of competing healthcare interventions. Little is known about the economic benefits of different cardiac rehabilitation program delivery models. DESIGN: The goal of this study was to review and evaluate the methodological quality of published economic evaluations of cardiac rehabilitation services. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for English language evaluations (trials, modeling studies) of the economic impact of cardiac rehabilitation. A review of study characteristics and methodological quality was completed using standardized tools. All costs are adjusted to 2004 US dollars. RESULTS: Fifteen economic evaluations were identified which met eligibility criteria but which displayed wide variation in the use of comparators, evaluation type, perspective and design. Evidence to support the cost-effectiveness of supervised cardiac rehabilitation in myocardial infarction and heart failure patients was identified. The range of cost per life year gained was estimated as from 2193 dollars to 28,193 dollars and from - 668 dollars to 16,118 dollars per quality adjusted life year gained. The level of evidence supporting the economic value of home-based cardiac rehabilitation interventions is limited to partial economic analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence to support the cost-effectiveness of supervised cardiac rehabilitation compared with usual care in myocardial infarction and heart failure was identified. Further trials are required to support the cost-effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in cardiac patients who have under gone revascularization. The literature evaluating home-based and alternative delivery models of cardiac rehabilitation was insufficient to draw conclusions about their relative cost-effectiveness. The overall quality of published economic evaluations of cardiac rehabilitation is poor and further well-designed trials are required.

Impact of program duration and contact frequency on efficacy and cost of cardiac rehabilitation: results of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Secondary prevention through cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been recommended for most patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Although generally reimbursed for 3 months, to date, optimal CR program duration and frequency of patient contact has yet to be identified. This study compared standard (33 sessions for 3 months) versus distributed (33 sessions for 12 months) CR for effects on exercise variables, risk factors, health-related quality of life (HRQL), depressive symptoms, and direct costs to the cardiac health care system. METHODS: We randomly assigned 392 patients to either standard CR (n = 196) or distributed CR (n = 196). Outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness, daily physical activity, coronary risk factors, generic and heart disease HRQL, and depressive symptoms, measured 12 and 24 months after program intake. Secondary outcomes included these variables measured after 3 months. Costs to the cardiac health care system were determined 2 years after program initiation. RESULTS: Both groups showed improvements over time in cardiorespiratory fitness, daily physical activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, generic and heart disease HRQL, and depressive symptoms. Over time, blood pressure and body mass index values worsened. Smoking status, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels remained unchanged. There were no clinically meaningful or statistically significant between group differences for outcomes at 12 or 24 months. The costs of the programs to the cardiac health care system were not different. CONCLUSIONS: From a clinical standpoint, this study indicates that both standard and distributed program formats serve patients with CAD equally well over the longer term. Programs could use either program delivery model (standard or distributed) depending on patient or program needs. Costs to the cardiac health care system are similar.