Outcomes and Cost of Women-Focused Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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Date

2022-06

Authors

Mamataz, Taslima
Lima de Melo Ghisi, Gabriela
Pakosh, Maureen
Grace, Sherry

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Maturitas

Abstract

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of women-focused cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on patient outcomes and cost.

Methods: Medline, Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Emcare were searched for articles from inception-May 2020. Primary studies of any design were included, with adult females with any cardiac diseases. “Women-focused” CR comprised programs or sessions with >50% females, or 1-1 programming tailored to women’s preferences. No studies were excluded based on outcome. Two independent reviewers rated citations for potential inclusion, and 1 extracted data, including quality, which was checked independently. Random-effects meta-analysis was used where there were ≥3 trials with the same outcome; Certainty of evidence for these was determined based on GRADE. For other outcomes, SWiM was applied.

Results: 3498 unique citations were identified, of which 28 (52 papers) studies were included (3,697 participants; 11 trials). No meta-analysis could be performed for outcomes with usual care comparisons. When compared to active comparison, women-focused CR had no meaningful effect on functional capacity. Women-focused CR meaningfully improved physical (mean difference [MD]=6.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.14-9.59; I2=0%; moderate-quality evidence), and mental (MD=4.66, 95% CI=0.21-9.11; I2=36%; low-quality evidence) quality of life, as well as 7/8 SF-36 domains. Qualitatively, results showed women-focused CR was associated with lower morbidity, risk factors, and greater psychosocial well-being. No effect was observed for mortality. One study reported favorable economic impact and another reduced sick days.

Conclusions: Women-focused CR is associated with clinical benefit, although there is mixed evidence and more research is needed.

Description

Keywords

Cardiac rehabilitation, Systematic review, Mortality, Heart disease risk factors, Quality of life

Citation

Mamataz, Ghisi, G. L., Pakosh, M., & Grace, S. L. (2022). Outcomes and cost of women-focused cardiac rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas, 160, 32–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.01.008