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Abstract Background In the year 2023, cardiovascular diseases persist as a significant global challenge, casting an immense burden over Europe and particularly affecting Romania, where elevated mortality rates position the country prominently within the European context. Despite concerted global efforts, progress in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases has encountered stagnation. This research endeavors to shed light on and address the underutilization of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Romania in comparison to other therapeutic approaches. Purpose Our aim is to comprehensively centralize information on CR centers in Romania, assess population coverage, evaluate costs and accessibility, and propose improvement strategies. Building on existing reports, we conducted a comparative analysis to uncover patient difficulties and explore potential solutions. Methods We extensively searched for cardiac recovery centers using Google and conducted telephone interviews to gather information on program details, costs, and the subvention status by the National Health Insurance House. Additionally, we mined specialized medical databases for relevant articles in cardiac recovery. Thorough analysis of the collected data offers insights into the landscape of cardiac recovery facilities in Romania. Results Despite COVID-19 challenges and the lack of an integrated model for network centers, along with insufficient financial support from the National Health Insurance House for cardiac rehabilitation services exceeding 16 days, the private sector managing 61.90% of centers, the total number of cardiac rehabilitation centers in Romania increased by 16.67% in the past 6 years. Some centers haven't fully resumed post-lockdown. Our investigation revealed a significant concentration of these centers in large cities, with 33.33% situated in the capital, indicating a geographical disparity. Lack of specialist endorsement is attributed to a lack of popularization in the sector. The pandemic worsened existing accessibility limitations; however, telerehabilitation emerged as a smart and effective alternative, overcoming geographical and logistical barriers. While only one center in Romania currently offers digital technology for remote monitoring, it signifies a significant evolution in cardiac rehabilitation. Proposed strategies include partnerships and health insurance expansion to improve access and affordability, with a focus on promoting telerehabilitation as a cost-effective alternative. Conclusions The gap between international recommendations and limited national coverage highlights potential restrictions in Romanian patients' access to the full benefits of CR programs. However, the expansion of cardiac telerehabilitation offers a convenient and accessible pathway for the development of this health sector.
Flavia et al. (Sat,) studied this question.