CACPR Statement for Covid-19

CACPR Brief Summary Statement

Cardiovascular Disease affects 1 in 12 (or 2.4 million) Canadians¹. There is overwhelming evidence that participation in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (CR) decreases morbidity and mortality and improves the quality of life of people with cardiovascular disease^2,3. Delaying access to CR may have negative long-term consequences for the Canadian healthcare system and for the general health of the Canadian population.

CACPR Strongly Recommends:

1.      That CR Programming continue with service provision during the Covid-19 response in a safe and effective manner as determined by local/ provincial health authorities

2.      That Virtual CR programming is a particularly appropriate service delivery option during the ebb and flow of a pandemic. Virtual Programming (including telephone and other virtual options) has been shown to be a safe and effective option⁸

3.      That Virtual CR programming development occurs across the country and addresses existing barriers to care such as geographical and program accessibility. This work has potential long-term benefits for chronic disease management that extend beyond the current pandemic

4.      That new strategies for the delivery of cardiac rehab in the Covid-19 pandemic are evaluated at a high standard to ensure efficacy and quality of care

You can read our full statement here.