Bridging the intention-behavior gap for cardiac rehabilitation participation: the role of perceived barriers

This study, co-authored by Can-Change members Dr. Codie Rouleau and Dr. Tavis Campbell, explored whether well-documented cardiac rehabilitation barriers (e.g., comorbidities, logistical/time constraints, and low social support) moderate the association between intention to participate and actual program enrollment and attendance. Assessing and addressing perceived barriers during the transition to cardiac rehabilitation, even when patients present as highly motivated to attend, may be critical to promoting program uptake.

An international Delphi consensus study to define motivational communication in the context of developing a training program for physicians

Training physicians to improve their behavior change counseling/communication skills is important, yet the evidence for the efficacy and acceptability of existing training programs is lacking and there is little consensus on the core competencies that physicians should master in the context of NCD management. The purpose of this study, led by a number of Can-Change members including Anda Dragomir, Vincent Gosselin Boucher and Drs Simon Bacon and Kim Lavoie, is to generate an acceptable, evidence-based, stakeholder-informed list of the core communication competencies that physicians should master in the context of NCD management.

Integrating Science, Practice, and Mentorship in Cardiac Rehabilitation: THE INAUGURAL TOTALCARDIOLOGY® RESEARCH NETWORK RETREAT

This commentary, authored by a team of researchers including Can-Change members Dr. Codie Rouleau and Dr. Tavis Campbell, provides a model for cardiac rehabilitation centers that provide patient care to meaningfully contribute to our scientific understanding of this lifestyle intervention, with limited extramural research funding. Collaborations with academic partners with expertise in CV research and top-down support from TCR management are key components.

Applying Precision Medicine to Healthy Living for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

This review, involving Can-Change members Dr. Tavis Campbell and Dr. Codie Rouleau, will highlight the importance of healthy living medicine (HLM) directed toward the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in the context of precision medicine. Traditionally, HLM, particularly when practiced in the context of physical activity and diet, is commonly viewed as an all-or-none and one-size-fits-all paradigm. Patients achieving target levels of physical activity and diet is certainly favourable, but healthy living practices at levels below current guidelines portend significant health benefits.

Assessing the Value of Moving More-The Integral Role of Qualified Health Professionals

Given the importance of including more steps and less sitting in a patient’s physical activity routine, health care professionals must develop enhanced skills for prescribing and guiding individualized movement programs for all their patients. The ability to appropriately assess risk before advising an individual to move more is integral to clinical decision-making. This perspectives article, co-authored by Can-Change members Dr. Tavis Campbell and Dr. Codie Rouleau, clarifies key issues related to prescribing movement as medicine and presents a new process for clinical assessment.