Improving outcomes in patients with heart failure:The contribution of cardiovascular specialist nurses

Background Heart failure(HF)is a chronic,impactful condition on individuals and healthcare systems,requiring management that goes beyond inpatient care.This study investigated the impact of cardiovascular specialist nurses on long-term health outcomes and patient satisfaction in HF outpatient care.Methods In a year-long observational study from July 2021 to July 2022,230 HF patients at our hospital were divided into an experimental group(n=115)receiving care from cardiovascular specialist nurses and a control group(n=115)managed by general nursing staff.The interventions included comprehensive care such as patient education,medication management,lifestyle guidance,symptom monitoring,and psychological support.The major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)and rehospitalization rates were applied as the primary endpoints.Results The experimental group demonstrated significantly fewer MACEs and lower rehospitalization rates compared to the control group(P<0.001).Higher patient satisfaction was observed in the experimental group,with 81.7%reporting high satisfaction vs.53.9%in the control group(P<0.001).Differences in incidence of myocardial infarction and death rates between the groups were not statistically significant.Conclusions The involvement of cardiovascular specialist nurses in HF outpatient care significantly enhances clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.These nurses play a key role in bridging the transition from hospital to home care,improving adherence to treatment regimens,and reducing healthcare system burdens.

Extension of the theory of adherence to treatment in patients with coronary heart disease

Background: Increased knowledge of the concept of adherence is needed for development patient-centered care, nursing interventions, and guidelines for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to test and extend the Theory of Adherence to Treatment regarding informational support in patients with CHD.Methods: The study utilized an explanatory and descriptive survey. The study was conducted in 2013 and involved 416 patients in five hospitals in Finland. The Adherence of Patients with Chronic Disease instrument and the Social Support for People with CHD instrument were used. The model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).Results: SEM confirmed direct associations between motivation (β = 0.49,p < 0.001) and results of care (β = 0.29,p < 0.01), and indirect associations between sense of normality, fear of complications, support from nurses and next of kin, and informational support to adherence to a healthy lifestyle and medication. Informational support included information and advice on CHD risk factors, physical exercise, chest pain, medication, continuum of care, and rehabilitation. Indirect standardized path coefficients varied between 0.14 and 0.45. The model explained 45% of adherence to a healthy lifestyle and medication.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that informational support is a justified extension to the original Theory of Adherence to Treatment in Patients with CHD. Informational support seems to offer a new perspective that can be used to develop patient-centered nursing interventions and thus support adherence to treatment by patients with a lifelong disease such as CHD.