Evaluation of Current Resources Available for Community-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korea: A Nationwide Survey Study

Abstract

Background In Korea, the actual distribution of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) to the clinical field is insufficient due to the many barriers for cardiovascular patients to participate in CR. Community-based CR is a useful alternative to overcome these obstacles. Through a nationwide survey, we investigated the possibility of regional medical and public health management institutes which can be in charge of community-based CR in Korea. Methods The questionnaires on recognition of CR and current available resources in health-related institutions were developed with reference to the CR evaluation tools of York University and the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation. The questionnaires were sent to regional public and private medical institutions and public health management institutions. Results In total, 2,267 questionnaires were sent to 1,186 institutions. There were 241 and 242 responses from 173 and 179 regional private and public medical institutions, respectively. And a total of 244 responses were gathered from 180 public health management institutions. Although many institutions were equipped with the necessary facilities for exercise training, there were few patient-monitoring systems during exercise. Most institutions were aware of the need for CR, but were burdened with the cost of establishing personnel and facilities to operate CR. Conclusion Most regional medical, and public health management institutions in Korea are unprepared for the implementation of community-based CR programs. To encourage the utilization of such, there should be efforts to establish a national consensus.

Fact Sheet on Cardiac Rehabilitation for Cardiovascular Disease in South Korea

“…Home-based CR enables patients to continue receiving CR after their cardiopulmonary function has been evaluated in hospitals. However, this approach also leads to underutilization [ 22 , 24 , 25 ].…”

“…They perceive the government as playing a pivotal role in ensuring both the time and the right for patients to participate in CR [ 24 ]. There is also a shortage of hospitals that offer CR, indicating a need for government attention and effort to introduce community-based programs that can be managed on an ongoing basis [ 25 ].…”

“…To alleviate the cost burden, expanding insurance coverage could be beneficial. Additionally, various campaigns, studies, and research projects will be necessary to raise awareness about CR and underscore its importance at the government level (Table 2) [21][22][23][24][25].…”