Core Competencies for Cardiac Rehabilitation/Secondary Prevention Professionals

Abstract

In Brief Cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention (CR/SP) services are typically delivered by a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) recognizes that to provide high-quality services, it is important for these health care professionals to possess certain core competencies. This update to the previous statement identifies 10 areas of core competencies for CR/SP health care professionals and identifies specific knowledge and skills for each core competency. These core competency areas are consistent with the current list of core components for CR/SP programs published by the AACVPR and the American Heart Association and include comprehensive cardiovascular patient assessment; management of blood pressure, lipids, diabetes, tobacco cessation, weight, and psychological issues; exercise training; and counseling for psychosocial, nutritional, and physical activity issues. The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation recognizes that it is important for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention professionals to possess certain core competencies. In this update to the previous statement, 10 core competencies and related knowledge and skills are identified