Clinical Exercise Physiologists in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Clinical Exercise Testing

ABSTRACT Background The unique training of clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) positions them to be an integral part of multidisciplinary teams in phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, the roles and responsibilities of CEPs vary widely between institutions. In addition, job tasks of CEPs at some institutions might not fully leverage their knowledge and skills. The purpose of this study was to describe the roles and responsibilities of CEPs working in CR and noninvasive clinical exercise testing at select institutions in the United States. Methods This was a descriptive study of the job tasks performed by CEPs in CR and noninvasive clinical exercise testing at select institutions. Job tasks that are common to CR and noninvasive clinical exercise testing were identified by a working group of the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association. Results The 6 CR programs in this report are predominately staffed by CEPs with no other health care professional present during exercise classes. In 5 of these programs CEPs perform all tasks required of phase 2 CR, from patient screening to program discharge. At 3 of the 4 programs that also performed noninvasive exercise testing, CEPs performed all the necessary tasks with no other health care professional present in the room during testing. Conclusion CEPs play an integral role in the conduct of phase 2 CR and noninvasive cardiology exercise testing. Granting privileges to CEPs that allow them to work at the top of their knowledge and skills will allow other health care professionals to better use their skills in other high demand areas.