THE ROLE OF PRIMARY CARE NURSES IN THE PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Abstract

Background and Aims: Primary care nurses represent a crucial component in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), serving as frontline healthcare providers with unique opportunities for patient engagement and intervention. With CVDs accounting for approximately 31% of global mortality, the role of primary care nurses has become increasingly vital in prevention strategies [1]. This study examines the effectiveness and scope of nurse-led interventions in CVD prevention within primary healthcare settings.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study from January 2023 to December 2023 across 25 primary healthcare centers. The research involved 145 primary care nurses and 2,850 patients. The study evaluated nurse-led preventive interventions through:

• Systematic documentation of nurse-patient interactions
• Analysis of patient outcomes following nurse-led interventions
• Assessment of risk factor modification success rates
• Evaluation of patient education effectiveness
• Measurement of adherence to prevention protocols

Data collection included both quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments through structured interviews and patient feedback surveys.

Results: The analysis revealed significant positive impacts of nurse-led interventions in CVD prevention:

• Patient engagement in preventive care increased by 65% when nurses conducted structured risk assessments
• Blood pressure control improved in 72% of patients receiving nurse-led counseling
• Medication adherence rates increased from 54% to 83% through nurse-led monitoring
• Lifestyle modification success rates doubled with regular nurse follow-up
• Patient understanding of CVD risk factors improved by 85% following nurse education sessions [2]

The study demonstrated that nurses who received specialized training in CVD prevention achieved significantly better patient outcomes compared to those without such training. Additionally, the implementation of nurse-led clinics resulted in a 40% reduction in preventable cardiovascular events among high-risk patients.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the substantial impact primary care nurses have in CVD prevention through their unique position to provide continuous, patient-centered care. The research supports the expansion of nurse-led preventive services and emphasizes the need for:

• Enhancement of specialized training programs for primary care nurses
• Development of standardized protocols for nurse-led CVD prevention clinics
• Implementation of regular competency assessments and updates
• Strengthening of nurse-patient communication frameworks
• Integration of technology-supported monitoring systems

These recommendations aim to maximize the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in CVD prevention and improve overall cardiovascular health outcomes in the primary care setting.