The web-based CREW program was associated with higher cardiac rehabilitation initiation among rural women compared to historical controls (82.5% vs 56.1%; RR 1.47; 95% CI 1.12-1.95; p=0.006).
Observational (n=154)
Yes
Does the web-based CREW program improve cardiac rehabilitation initiation and completion in women residing in rural and remote communities?
A co-designed, web-based cardiac rehabilitation program tailored for women in rural and remote areas significantly increased rehabilitation initiation rates and was highly acceptable to participants.
Relative Risk: 1.47 (95% CI 1.12–1.95)
Absolute Event Rate: 82.5% vs 56.1%
p-value: p=0.006
Background 95% CI 1.12 to 1.95; p-value 0.006). However, there was little evidence of a difference in cardiac rehabilitation completion between the two groups (RR 1.28; 95% CI 0.87 to 1.87; p-value 0.211). Participants reported high satisfaction (4.5/5) with most program components. Qualitative analysis identified five themes: empowering women in cardiac rehabilitation; value of telehealth-based CR for women's participation; staffing and system-level challenges; digital divide; and recommendations for program enhancement. Conclusions The CREW program was feasible and acceptable to women and clinicians. This women-focused, web-based model shows promise for addressing gender disparities in cardiac rehabilitation access in rural and remote communities. Further research is needed to evaluate clinical effectiveness, engagement, and scalability.
Suebkinorn et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Cardiac rehabilitation (n=154). CREW web-based program vs. Historical controls was evaluated on Cardiac rehabilitation initiation (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.95, p=0.006). The web-based CREW program was associated with higher cardiac rehabilitation initiation among rural women compared to historical controls (82.5% vs 56.1%; RR 1.47; 95% CI 1.12-1.95; p=0.006).