Key result
The implementation of 4 additional cardiac rehabilitation clinics improved accessibility by 14% to 17%, reducing travel distances for patients with high cardiovascular risk.
Why the study?
Geographical distance to cardiac rehabilitation clinics is a major barrier to program initiation and adherence, particularly for patients with high cardiovascular risk.
Does optimal spatial allocation of cardiac rehabilitation clinics improve accessibility for high cardiovascular risk patients?
Does optimal spatial allocation of cardiac rehabilitation clinics improve accessibility for high cardiovascular risk patients?
Using spatial optimization models to allocate cardiac rehabilitation centers can significantly reduce patient travel distances and improve healthcare accessibility.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Spatial modeling may aid CR clinic placement to reduce travel barriers; leaves open effects on enrollment and outcomes.
Purpose: Geographical distance from a patient’s residence to a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) clinic is a significant barrier to the initiation and continuation of CR programs worldwide. This distance can adversely affect patient adherence and clinical outcomes, particularly among patients with high cardiovascular risk who require frequent and consistent CR sessions. Addressing this barrier may enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of CR services. Methods. A p -median optimization model was developed to strategically allocate resources for CR in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Six scenarios were created to accommodate patients with high cardiovascular risk, with the aim of identifying optimal clinic locations to minimize the average travel distance for patients. Results: The implementation of 4 additional CR clinics demonstrated a 14% to 17% improvement in accessibility, as indicated by a reduction in travel distances for the target patient population. The model also revealed a concentration of clinics within a single region of the city, underscoring disparities in access and highlighting the inequitable distribution of CR services. Conclusions: The optimal allocation of CR clinics using an optimization model can significantly enhance healthcare system efficiency. This approach may ensure optimal resource distribution and treatment accessibility, aligning with the principles of value-based healthcare.
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Moraes et al. (2026) studied this question. The implementation of 4 additional cardiac rehabilitation clinics improved accessibility by 14% to 17%, reducing travel distances for patients with high cardiovascular risk.
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