LAUSR

Introduction/Background While the role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) in most areas of medicine is well-established, little is known about the role of PMR in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This study assessed the frequency with which CR programs were part of PMR departments, how often PMR physicians lead CR programs and were on CR staff, and the impact of this globally for the first time. Material and method In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was administered to CR programs globally. National medical associations and local champions facilitated program identification. Results One hundred and eleven out of 203 (54.7%) countries in the world offer CR, of which data were collected in 93 (83·78%; n = 1082 surveys, 32.1% response). CR was part of a PMR department in 251 (23.19%) programs. Programs had more equipment when they were within PMR departments, such as bicycle ergometers (97.48% vs. 87.69%, P  Conclusion We found significant differences among programs based on the PMR involvement in the program. PMR physicians should more often be part of CR programs, as this could result in benefits for patients.