The AACVPR Learning Center is your go-to resource for
learning and advancing your knowledge
in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Live Series: Cardiac Rehab Change Package: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Change

Presented by Megan Gross, MPH, CHES, ACSM-CEP; Thomas Draper, MBA, MAACVPR, FACC; Matthew Thomas, MS, MBA, ACSM-CEP, FAACVPR; Victoria Yandle, DNP, RN, CCRP, FAACVPR; Joshua Baker, CCRP; Macie Cotton, MS; Mark Stout, MS, CCRP, MAACVPR; Hicham Skali, MD, MSc, FACC, FASNC; Michael Thompson, PhD; Galina Kitchens, Psy.D. 

Disclosures: Grant Support (Hicham Skali & Michael Thompson)

4.00 AACVPR CEUs 

Description: Join us for a four-part webinar series exploring the Cardiac Rehab Change Package (CRCP), a comprehensive toolkit featuring strategies to improve patient care. This series will emphasize the practical application of change package strategies, with attendees gaining insights from real-world examples on how to translate knowledge into action. Each session will also include a dedicated discussion component, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with speakers. Whether you are new to the CRCP or looking to refine your approach, this series will provide valuable guidance on making sustainable, patient-centered changes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the scope and structure of the Cardiac Rehab Change Package.
2. Apply evidence-based, transformational interventions to enhance outcomes in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation settings.
3. Introduce TAKEheart implementation and practical guidance, tools, and resources to support increased cardiac rehabilitation participation and adherence.

Schedule of Webinars:

1. Webinar #1: Addressing System Change | July 13 at 12-1 p.m. CT
2. Webinar #2: Increasing Referrals | To Be Announced
3. Webinar #3: Enhancing Enrollment and Participation | August 10 at 12-1 p.m. CT
4. Webinar #4: Strategies for Adherence | August 25 at 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT

  • Live Webinar #1: Cardiac Rehab Change Package: Addressing System Change
    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 07/13/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)

    This session introduces the Cardiac Rehab Change Package and highlights key resources available through AACVPR, including those from the TAKEheart initiative. We will explore strategies for driving system-level change to elevate the role of cardiac rehabilitation, with a focus on administrative support, staffing models and compensation structures.

    Presented by Megan Gross, MPH, CHES, ACSM-CEP; Thomas Draper, MBA, MAACVPR, FACC; Matthew Thomas, MS, MBA, ACSM-CEP, FAACVPR; and Victoria Yandle, DNP, RN, CCRP, FAACVPR

    Disclosures: None

    1.00 AACVPR CEUs

    Description: This session introduces the Cardiac Rehab Change Package and highlights key resources available through AACVPR, including those from the TAKEheart initiative. We will explore strategies for driving system-level change to elevate the role of cardiac rehabilitation, with a focus on administrative support, staffing models and compensation structures. The session will conclude with a Q&A segment, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with our panel of experts.

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Discuss how to access CRCP and utilize supplemental materials to support program goals.
    2. Identify opportunities to advocate for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation as a health system priority.
    3. Recognize the unique needs of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and build confidence in initiating strategic conversations with administration.

  • Live Webinar #2: Cardiac Rehab Change Package: Increasing Referrals
    Contains 0 Component(s), Includes Credits

    This session will examine the referral process from inpatient care to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. We will highlight the importance of a robust Phase I program and emphasize the essential role cardiac rehabilitation plays in supporting patient recovery and long-term health outcomes.

    Presented by Megan Gross, MPH, CHES, ACSM-CEP; Joshua Baker, CCRP

    Disclosures: None

    1.00 AACVPR CEUs

    Description: This session will  examine the referral process from inpatient care to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. We will highlight the importance of a robust Phase I program and emphasize the essential role cardiac rehabilitation plays in supporting patient recovery and long-term health outcomes. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Discuss strategies for implementation of an automatic referral systems for cardiac rehabilitation
    2. Analyze how a robust Phase I program can be used strategically to increase referrals for cardiac rehabilitation
    3. To examine the referral process from inpatient to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of Phase I and the role of cardiac rehab in promoting recovery and long-term health outcomes

  • Live Webinar #3: Cardiac Rehab Change Package: Enhancing Enrollment and Participation
    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 08/10/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)

    This session will demonstrate how the CRCP can serve as a strategic tool to increase enrollment.

    Presented by Megan Gross, MPH, CHES, ACSM-CEP; Macie Cotton, MS; Mark Stout, MS, CCRP, MAACVPR; and Hicham Skali, MD, MSc, FACC, FASNC

    Disclosures: Grant Support (Hicham Skali)

    1.00 AACVPR CEUs

    Description: This session will demonstrate how the CRCP can serve as a strategic tool to increase enrollment. We will examine the role of Quality Improvement (QI) projects in enhancing participation and explore targeted strategies to address health disparities while improving both enrollment and participation. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Identify opportunities for QI and develop action plans to improve enrollment
    2. Gain insights into innovative program models beyond the traditional framework to enhance participation 
    3. Utilize resources available through Take Heart to enhance enrollment and participation. 

  • Live Webinar #4: Cardiac Rehab Change Package: Strategies for Adherence
    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 08/25/2026 at 11:00 AM (CDT)

    This session will explore the common reasons for patient nonadherence. Presenters will discuss innovative tools and techniques to overcome these obstacles to improve patient engagement, adherence, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

    Presented by Megan Gross, MPH, CHES, ACSM-CEP; Michael Thompson, PhD; and Galina Kitchens, Psy.D.

    Disclosures: Grant Support (Michael Thompson)

    1.00 AACVPR CEUs

    Description: This session will explore the common reasons for patient nonadherence. Presenters will discuss innovative tools and techniques to overcome these obstacles to improve patient engagement, adherence, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Identify the most common barriers to patient adherence in cardiac rehabilitation
    2. Describe and evaluate innovative tools and techniques that enhance patient adherence and improve clinical outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation 
    3. To analyze registry data to identify trends in patient adherence to cardiac rehabilitation and uncover key barriers impacting participation and program completion