The purpose of this study was to evaluate compliance of community PAD sites to recommendations for site maintenance as proposed by the American Heart Association (AHA).
Thirty-two surveys were distributed to community PAD sites that received assistance from JCEDTF. PAD sites were categorized into business, educational, or community sites. A twenty-five point scoring system to assess PDA programs was developed based on AHA recommendations. On-site evaluations were conducted to verify survey results and assess barriers to an effective PAD site. Differences among the three categories were measured with ANOVA.
No site was able to comply with all the AHA guidelines for a PAD site. The mean score among all sites was 57 % of possible points with no significant differences among the three categories. Business sites were more compliant with ongoing training compared to educational and community sites (p < 0.022).
Community PAD sites in Johnson County currently do not comply with the recommendations for effective PAD sites. After initial training and establishment of community PAD sites, better methods for assuring ongoing training and maintenance are needed for sites to be effective.