Nurse-Based Models for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention from Research to Clinical Practice

Abstract

The worldwide personal and societal costs related to diseases of the vascular system are enormous. International research efforts have focused on discovering ways to implement prevention strategies shown to be both effective and cost-efficient. Teams comprising health care professionals with expertise in nursing, dietetics, physical activity, and behavioral skills have shown high levels of success in preventive efforts, particularly in high-risk and vulnerable populations. Used appropriately, team-based, nurse-directed case management has the potential to effect positive change in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiac and other vascular diseases.

Evaluation of an individualised programme to promote self‐care in sleep‐activity in patients with coronary artery disease – a randomised intervention study

“…There is a large body of evidence showing that lifestyle modification nurse-based programmes effectively improve risk factors and related health behaviours, quality of life, morbidity and mortality in patients with CAD (AHA 2010, Berra et al 2011). No other study has been found that evaluates the effectiveness of an individualised programme to promote self-care in sleep-activity in patients with CAD following treatment.…”

“…Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a largely preventable worldwide disease, and it is important to continue supporting a systematic approach to cardiovascular risk reduction through team-based, nurse-directed management (Berra et al 2011). Patients with CAD often suffer from emotional, cognitive and social disturbances and experience reduced healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL), which, over time, result in failure to adopt a healthy lifestyle.…”

“…Research has documented that nurse-directed case management improves cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle and outcomes (Berra et al 2011). However, no studies have been found as to whether intervention by means of an individual sleep education programme combined with a relaxation programme improves CAD patients' sleep-activity.…”

Managing Chronic Illness in Seniors: Innovative Approaches to Care

“…Care management is usually provided by nurses and other members of the primary health care team such as dietitians, physiologists, and physical therapists. Underlying principles of nurse case management (NCM) were well defined in a recent review of Nurse-Based Models for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention [12]. These principles apply to all adult populations, including seniors.…”

“…6. Protocol and guideline-based use of cardioprotective medications must be available for case managers to optimize risk reductions efforts [12].…”