Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients living in Rural and Remote Areas of Saskatchewan

Opportunity details

Position type

Patient Partner

Number of positions available

2

Organization

University of Regina

Role overview

Dr. Tamara Williamson, Director of the Behavioural Medicine Lab of Saskatchewan at the University of Regina, is seeking patient partners for a 3-year project to identify clinical care gaps and barriers to participation in cardiac rehabilitation among patients with cardiovascular disease living in rural or remote areas of Saskatchewan. The patient partner will be involved in designing a series of patient-oriented studies to: 1) improve understanding of the clinical care pathway from a cardiac hospitalization to cardiac rehabilitation referral and participation among rural patients, 2) identify barriers and facilitators of participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program, and 3) develop an intervention(s) to promote improved access and uptake of cardiac rehabilitation for eligible patients living in rural and remote communities.

Required knowledge, experience, skills

1) Resides in a rural community (i.e., outside of Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, or Swift Current). 2) Current or past diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease that is eligible for cardiac rehabilitation, including: acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction, unstable angina), coronary artery disease, heart failure/cardiomyopathy, peripheral artery disease, valvular disease and coronary surgery (e.g., CABG, valve procedures). 3) Received a referral to cardiac rehabilitation within the past 10 years (note: the patient would be eligible for this opportunity whether or not they attended the program). 4) Fluent in English (spoken and written).

Time commitment

Approximately six, 60-90 minute meetings per year are anticipated during the study design and recruitment phases (anticipated start date is June 2025).

Location

Regina, however meetings can be conducted virtually according to the patient's preference.

What can you expect from the research team?

The research team will be happy to provide education on the research process, flexibility in terms of scheduling, and offer virtual or phone-based meetings to accommodate the patient partner's schedule. Opportunities to participate in meetings and conferences will be presented as available to the patient partner.

Supports available to participate

Expense reimbursement

Submission of interest deadline

May 31, 2025