Policy Strategies to Improve Women's Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are recognized as the leading cause of annual mortality in the country. Although in past decades the main focus has been on reducing acute mortality from these diseases, today global attention has shifted to the post-discharge phase of patients, namely cardiac rehabilitation. Meanwhile, cross-sectional study evidence indicates gender inequality in recovery from cardiovascular diseases. In this way, women are referred to and have access to rehabilitation programs at a lower rate than men. Even if they participate, rehabilitation indicators are significantly weaker for them. This gap is visible in both access to services and rehabilitation outcomes. In this regard, this policy brief, focusing on research findings and holding an expert panel, presented, analyzed, and explained five suggested strategies to address the issue of women's participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs. These include: "reforming the referral process through education and awareness-raising for physicians and healthcare staff"; "using technology and developing remote rehabilitation programs (telerehab)"; "designing targeted financial and insurance incentives for low-income women"; "establishing easily accessible local rehabilitation centers"; and "flexibilizing programs to meet the specific needs of working women and mothers." Achieving the effectiveness of these strategies, promoting women's health, and optimizing social and economic outcomes for families and society requires cross-sectoral coordination, smart planning, and equity-oriented planning in health policymaking. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.