Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Context: The number of myocardial infarctions (MI) has been increasing in Quebec, Canada. Between 2009 and 2010, the number of people diagnosed with MI in Canada was 66,500, while in Quebec the number was 17,600 both sexes combined. In the North Shore region of Quebec, in 2014-2015, 285 people were diagnosed with MI and the following year, this number increased to 325. This number could be underestimated due to the atypical signs of MI in women. Cardiac diseases is the second cause of death in Canada. A cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) is an effective intervention to support patients in achieving health objectives and decrease their risk of suffering from another MI. However, in several rural communities, in the Province of Quebec, no CRP exists to support patients who have experienced an MI. Objectives: To describe the needs of people having undergone an MI in regard to a CRP in a rural community and the current services offered to patients in primary care. Study Design: . An qualitative formative research study is in progress. Population studied: Four family physicians and 20 patients who experienced MI in a rural community (50% men). Outcomes measurement: A focus group was conducted with family physicians and individual interviews will be conducted with patients. Focus group and interview discussions will be transcribed, followed by content analysis and co-coding. Data will be clustered by category according to the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation to describe patient needs and current services offered to patients in primary care. Results: Findings will be presented on patient needs in regard to CRP and current services and care offered to patients in a rural primary care context. Conclusions: Result should support the creation of a CRP that is culturally and geographically adapted to patients in a rural community.