ISYDE-Psi first step of the implementation of guidelines for psychology activities in cardiac rehabilitation and prevention. Italian SurveY on CarDiac REhabilitation-Psychology

The Italian SurveY on CarDiac REhabilitation-Psychology (ISYDE-Psi) was developed, in line with the indications of the Italian National Guidelines Program, as part of a project to implement and apply the guidelines for psychology interventions in cardiac rehabilitation and prevention published in 2003. The Task Force on Psychological Interventions in Cardiac Rehabilitation conducted this pilot survey of the existing situation of Psychology in order to prepare the ground for implementation of the guidelines through interactive training. As part of the evaluation of training requirements a questionnaire was elaborated to gather information on the models of organization of and activities carried out by psychologists working in the surveyed cardiac rehabilitation facilities. Data collection for ISYDE-Psi terminated at the end of March 2005, with replies from 68/107 (63.6%) structures. In the light of this response, the Task Force has developed a training project for psychologists working in cardiac rehabilitation, sponsored by the Italian Council of Psychologists, that will be implemented in different regions of the country with the aim of disseminating the guidelines and promoting their correct application despite the existing regional disparities in organization.