The short and long-term efficacy of nurse-led interventions for improving blood pressure control in people with hypertension in primary care settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous systematic reviews suggest that nurse-led interventions improve short-term blood pressure (BP) control for people with hypertension. However, the long-term effects, adverse events, and appropriate target BP level are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of nurse-led interventions.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and CINAHL, as well as three Japanese article databases, as relevant randomized controlled trials from the oldest possible to March 2021. This search was conducted on 17 April 2021. We did an update search on 17 October 2023. We included studies on adults aged 18 years or older with hypertension. The treatments of interest were community-based nurse-led BP control interventions in addition to primary physician-provided care as usual. The comparator was usual care only. Primary outcomes were long-term achievement of BP control goals and serious adverse events (range: 27 weeks to 3 years). Secondary outcomes were short-term achievement of BP control goals and serious adverse events (range: 4 to 26 weeks), change of systolic and diastolic BP from baseline, medication adherence, incidence of hypertensive complications, and total mortality.

RESULTS

We included 35 studies. Nurse-led interventions improved long-term BP control (RR 1.10, 95%CI 1.03 to 1.18). However, no significant differences were found in the short-term effects of nurse-led intervention compared to usual care about BP targets. Little information on serious adverse events was available. There was no difference in mortality at both terms between the two groups. Establishing the appropriate target BP from the extant trials was impossible.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led interventions may be more effective than usual care for achieving BP control at long-term follow-up. It is important to continue lifestyle modification for people with hypertension. We must pay attention to adverse events, and more studies examining appropriate BP targets are needed. Nurse-led care represents an important complement to primary physician-led usual care.

Revie ⊕: Impact of a resource-based life review intervention on patients with advanced cancer: A waitlist controlled trial

PURPOSE

Life review interventions aim to support individuals facing an incurable disease accompanied by existential concerns and health-related challenges. Based on encouraging feasibility results, this study assessed the effects of Revie ⊕ life review intervention on the self-esteem of patients with advanced cancer, and the effects on well-being, post-traumatic growth, life satisfaction, symptom burden and interaction with nurses.

METHOD

The study consisted of a two-arm parallel-group, waitlist-controlled trial (WCT) in the oncology division of a Swiss-French University Hospital. Revie ⊕ was composed of nurse-led meeting with the patient to address and document significant life events using a strengths-focused approach and targeting the life project.

RESULTS

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, adjustments were made regarding study duration and participant's allocation: Fifty-eight patients received Revie ⊕, 39 completed all the measurements. Self-esteem was high at baseline and maintained stability over time. The social well-being decreased in the intervention group before-after Revie ⊕ (-1.7 (3.9), p = 0.044) while emotional and functional well-being showed stability. The intensity of symptoms decreased in the intervention group before-after Revie ⊕: 4.9 (9.4), p = 0.020.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that patients living with an advanced cancer and who received Revie ⊕ intervention may have maintained their self-esteem high over time. Observed results are promising, particularly considering the influence of the pandemic. Nevertheless, these findings do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of the intervention on self-esteem. WCT seems not to be the appropriate design to highlight the added value of Revie ⊕ for this particularly vulnerable population.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04254926.

The effectiveness of the psychosocial empowerment program in early adjustment among adult burn survivors

BACKGROUND

Burns constitute a major global health challenge, causing not only physical trauma, but also significant psychosocial and emotional disturbances. The complexity of these injuries requires comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address both the physical and psychosocial aspects of recovery. Despite advances in medical care, there is a lack of standardized, accessible, and sustainable psychosocial interventions for burn survivors, particularly in the transition from hospital to home. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a nurse-led psychosocial empowerment intervention for early adjustment among burn survivors after hospital discharge.

METHODS

The study adopted a quasi-experimental framework. A convenient sample of 80 adult burn survivors was randomly divided into an intervention group, receiving the psychosocial empowerment program, and a control group, continuing standard care from November 2022 to May 2023. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated using various tools that measure satisfaction with appearance, coping abilities, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The intervention focused on enhancing resilience, self-efficacy, and adaptive coping, through targeted skill building in stress management, adaptability to coping, social reintegration, emotion regulation, and problem-solving.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in body image satisfaction, coping abilities, and symptoms of PTSD compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychosocial empowerment program effectively addressed the psychosocial needs of burn survivors and enhanced their early adjustment after hospital discharge. The findings highlight the critical role of psychosocial support in the rehabilitation of burn survivors and underscore the need to integrate such interventions into standard post-discharge care. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of these interventions and their applicability in diverse settings.

Does a nurse-led interventional program improve clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation? A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Being the most common type of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF) is progressively increasing with an annual rate of 5 million new cases. Recent guidelines highlight the importance of using collaborative multidisciplinary teams in order to improve outcomes during management of patients with AF. A nurse-led program including a nurse-directed education, counselling and intervention has shown to improve patients' outcomes in candidates with AF. In this analysis, we aimed to systematically compare the clinical outcomes observed in patients with AF who were assigned to a nurse-led interventional program versus a usual care group.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE, Http://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov , Web of Science; Google Scholar and Cochrane databases were the data sources. The clinical outcomes were considered as the endpoints in this study. This is a meta-analysis, and the statistical analysis was conducted by the RevMan software (version 5.4). Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to represent the data after statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Six studies with a total number 2916 participants were included whereby 1434 participants were assigned to a nurse-led intervention and 1482 participants were assigned to the usual care group. Our results showed that participants with AF who were assigned to the nurse-led interventional group had a significantly lower risk of composite endpoints (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.96; P = 0.01), heart failure (RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47-0.92; P = 0.02), atrial fibrillation (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63-0.94; P = 0.01) and re-admission (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.99; P = 0.04). However, the risks of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.68-1.09; P = 0.21), cardiac death (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.33-1.39; P = 0.28), myocardial infarction (RR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.35-1.42; P = 0.33), stroke (RR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.44-1.26; P = 0.28), all bleeding events (RR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.81-1.53; P = 0.51) and major bleeding events (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.56-1.49; P = 0.71) were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

The nurse-led interventional program significantly improved composite endpoints including heart failure and the recurrence of AF, resulting in a significantly lower admission rate compared to the usual care group. However, nurse-led interventional program did not affect mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction and bleeding events. Based on our current results, a nurse-led interventional programs apparently could be beneficial in patients with AF. Future larger trials would be able to confirm this hypothesis.

Nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Nurses play an important role in the management of patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Little is known about the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on patient-reported outcomes in this population. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence of nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

METHODS

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and Embase for studies published from database inception to September 2022. Studies were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal in English and evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention using a randomized controlled trial design in adults with a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease. Screening, full-text review, and quality appraisal were conducted by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of 162 articles were identified for possible inclusion, of which five studies were included. Four of five studies (80%) were conducted in systemic lupus erythematosus. There was significant variability in the types of nurse-led interventions; the majority included educational sessions and follow up counseling by a nurse (n = 4). The most common patient-reported outcomes were health-related quality of life (n = 3), fatigue (n = 3), mental health (including anxiety and depression) (n = 2), and self-efficacy (n = 2). The duration of the interventions varied from 12 weeks to 6 months. All studies included a nurse with specialized training and education and showed significant improvements in their primary outcomes. The majority of the studies (60%) were considered high methodological quality.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides emerging evidence for the use of nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Our findings emphasize the important role of nurses in providing nonpharmacological strategies to help patients better manage their disease and improve health outcomes.

Carer preparedness improved by providing a supportive educational intervention for carers of patients with high-grade glioma: RCT results

BACKGROUND

High-grade glioma (HGG) is a rapidly progressing and debilitating disease. Family carers take on multiple responsibilities and experience high levels of distress. We aimed to deliver a nurse-led intervention (Care-IS) to carers to improve their preparedness to care and reduce distress.

METHODS

We conducted a randomised controlled trial (ACTRN:12612001147875). Carers of HGG patients were recruited during patients' combined chemoradiation treatment. The complex intervention comprised four components: (1) initial telephone assessment of carer unmet needs; (2) tailored hard-copy resource folder; (3) home visit; and, (4) monthly telephone support for up to 12 months. Primary outcomes included preparedness for caregiving and distress at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months. Intervention effects were estimated using linear mixed models which included a time by group interaction. Secondary outcomes included anxiety, depression, quality of life, carer competence and strain.

RESULTS

We randomised 188 carers (n = 98 intervention, n = 90 control). The intervention group reported significantly higher preparedness for caregiving at 4 months (model β = 2.85, 95% CI 0.76-4.93) and all follow-up timepoints including 12 months (model β = 4.35, 95% CI 2.08-6.62), compared to the control group. However, there was no difference between groups in carer distress or any secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This intervention was effective in improving carer preparedness. However, carer distress was not reduced, potentially due to the debilitating/progressive nature of HGG and ongoing caring responsibilities. Future research must explore whether carer interventions can improve carer adjustment, self-efficacy and coping and how we support carers after bereavement. Additionally, research is needed to determine how to implement carer support into practice.

Chinese stroke survivors' perceptions of participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi

AIMS

Exercise promotes functional recovery among stroke survivors and is recommended to be commenced as soon as is feasible. However, little is known about stroke survivors' perception of participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi, a more culturally appropriate and popular movement in China. To explore Chinese stroke survivors' perceptions of participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews and content analysis of transcripts were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 stroke survivors. The qualitative study explored perceptions of post-stroke participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was used to report findings. Perceived facilitators of exercise participation were healthcare professionals' encouragement and recommendations, family and peer support and survivors' motivation, intention, and self-perceived benefits. Perceived barriers were fear of falling, physical discomfort, and challenges in standing. Despite some reservations, most participants were willing to try sitting Tai Chi.

CONCLUSIONS

Encouragement and support, motivation, and perceived benefits were important for exercise participation after stroke. With the premise that all medical and nursing students in China are trained in Tai Chi, for stroke survivors with no access to formal exercise programmes, sitting Tai Chi may offer an appropriate alternative.

The effects of Nurse Led Transitional Care Model on elderly patients undergoing open heart surgery: a randomized controlled trial

AIMS 

Rate and number of successful cases in open heart surgery has been increasing due to the advances in medical technology and surgery. To improve patient convalescence results and reduce rate of post-discharge readmission to hospital and unplanned post-discharge rehospitalization, home-care and follow-up process of patients should be managed successfully. To evaluate the effectiveness of Nurse Led Transitional Care Model on the functional autonomy, quality of life, readmission, and rehospitalization rates of elderly patients undergoing open heart surgery. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2017 to December 2018 and performed according to the CONSORT Guidelines.

METHODS AND RESULTS 

Sixty-six elderly patients were randomly allocated to the intervention (n: 33) and control (n: 33) groups. Patients in intervention group were given care based on the Transitional Care Model until the post-discharge 9th week starting from date of hospitalization. Patients in control group were given standard care services. Functional autonomy, quality of life levels, and repeated admission/re-hospitalization rates to the clinic were evaluated. The Functional Autonomy Measurement System and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale scores of the intervention group were higher than that of the control group at the 9th week (P < 0.05). In addition, rate of readmission and rehospitalization during the follow-up period (6 months) of patients in the intervention group was found to be lower than the patients in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION 

Care services offered under the Transitional Care Model improved functional autonomy and quality of life and decreased post-discharge hospital readmission and rehospitalization rates of patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04384289).

Nurse-led patient education for persons suffering from a venous leg ulcer in outpatient's clinics and homecare settings: A scoping review

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To provide an overview of the available nurse-led individualized educational interventions, for persons with Venous Leg Ulcer (VLUs) in an outpatient or homecare settings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this scoping review, a search was performed between December 2019 and January 2020. To identify sources of evidence a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science and LiSSa as well as in clinical trial registers to identify sources of evidence. All types of evidence associated with a nurse led-intervention were included.

RESULTS

Fifteen sources of evidence met the inclusion criteria. Educational sessions varied in modality, content and duration. Education sessions were face to face and supported by written materiel. The content focused on compression therapy and exercises. The duration and numbers of sessions varied. The most reported health related outcomes was wound healing.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review provides a broad overview of the available evidence and ongoing research for individualized nurse-led education persons with VLUs. Variability in the literature was found, which suggests that more intervention studies are needed to test and evaluate efficacy of nurse-led patient education.

A self-management support intervention for patients with atrial fibrillation: a randomized controlled pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. Despite effective treatment, it is characterized by frequent recurrences. Optimal therapeutic management of AF requires active participation and self-management from patients. Two major components of self-management are self-monitoring and sign-and-symptom management. Pulse self-palpation (PSP) is a method of self-monitoring; however, not all AF patients are capable of successfully performing PSP. Due to a lack of interventions on this topic, a nurse-led intervention for patients with AF (PSPAF intervention) was developed to foster self-monitoring and to enhance self-management through PSP. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the acceptability, feasibility, and potential effects of this intervention on the capability of patients' PSP and sign-and-symptom management. Moreover, we aimed at gathering data on the feasibility of applied research methods to aid in the design of future studies.

METHODS

The pilot trial involved 20 adult patients with AF, randomized to an intervention or usual care group. At baseline and during a home visit 3-5 weeks later, we collected data using questionnaires, checklists, field notes, a mobile ECG device, and a diary. Acceptability and feasibility measures were validated through predefined cut-off points. Effect size estimates were expressed as relative risks (RR) and the number needed to treat (NNT).

RESULTS

The PSPAF intervention seemed feasible, but only partly acceptable. There were limitations in terms of potential effectiveness, suitability, addressing participants' willingness to implement its content in daily life, and adherence. Estimations of effect sizes suggest a large effect of the intervention on patients' PSP capability (RR = 6.0; 95% CI = [0.83, 43.3]; NNT = 2.4), but almost no effect on sign-and-symptom management (RR = 1.5; 95% CI = [0.7, 3.1]; NNT = 4.0). The feasibility of applied research methods showed minor limitations on recruitment and participant burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite some limitations, the intervention seemed to be applicable and promising. Taking into account the suggestions and amendments we have made, we recommend conducting a full-scale trial to examine the efficacy of the PSPAF intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This pilot study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register at September 4, 2017 (Main ID: DRKS00012808).

Use of a human-centered design approach to adapt a nurse-led cardiovascular disease prevention intervention in HIV clinics

Stakeholder-informed strategies addressing cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden among people living with HIV (PWH) are needed within healthcare settings. This study provides an assessment of how human-centered design (HCD) guided the adaptation of a nurse-led intervention to reduce CVD risk among PWH. Using a HCD approach, research staff guided two multidisciplinary "design teams" in Ohio and North Carolina, with each having five HCD meetings. We conducted acceptability and feasibility testing. Six core recommendations were produced by two design teams of key stakeholders and further developed after the acceptability and feasibility testing to produce a final list of 14 actionable areas of adaptation. Acceptability and feasibility testing revealed areas for adaptation, e.g. patient preferences for communication and the benefit of additional staff to support patient follow-up. In conclusion, along with acceptability and feasibility testing, HCD led to the production of 14 key recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of an integrated HIV/CVD intervention.

Have Traditional Heart Failure Management Programs Reached Their "Use by" Date? Time to Apply More Nuanced Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To determine the current evidence supporting the otherwise proven heart failure management programs (HFMPs) in the setting of an increasingly older and more complex patient population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Attempts to replace proven face-to-face, multidisciplinary management of HF with remote management techniques (including telemedicine and implantable remote monitoring devices) have yielded mixed results. This may well reflect the clinical cascade effect of greater surveillance paradoxically leading to worse health outcomes as well as a narrow focus on HF alone in patients with clinically significant multimorbidity. Concurrently, there is preliminary evidence that the increasing phenomenon of HF and multimorbidity in older patients is undermining the otherwise positive impact of "traditional" HFMPs. A more nuanced approach to determining who would benefit from what form of HF management, including the integration of remote surveillance techniques, is required.

Implication of nurse intervention on engagement with urate-lowering drugs: A qualitative study of participants in a RCT of nurse led care

OBJECTIVES

To explore patient perception of the role of a nurse-led complex package of care in facilitating engagement with urate-lowering therapies (ULTs) in the management of gout.

METHODS

Thirty people who had participated in a randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of a nurse-led complex package of care for gout, were purposively sampled and interviewed between 18-26 months after the end of the trial. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a modified grounded-theory approach. Data were managed using Nvivo. STATA v15 was used to describe summary statistics.

RESULTS

Participants described their views and experiences of engaging with a nurse-led intervention designed to provide holistic assessment, individualised patient education, and involvement in shared decision-making for the long-term management of gout. The analysis revealed key themes in how nurse-led intervention facilitated engagement with ULT, namely by proving improved knowledge and understanding of gout and its treatment, involvement of patients in decision-making about treatment, and increased confidence about benefits from treatment. However, some treatment uncertainty and concern remained and one participant free of gout flares discontinued ULT, while another halved the dose after the end of the trial.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports data on patient experience of engaging with ULT to manage gout after receiving nurse-led care. It demonstrates that shared decision-making and the joint efforts of fully informed practitioners and patients persuades patients to engage with ULTs, and that experiencing the benefits of curative treatment motivates them to maintain adherence.

Nurse health and lifestyle modification versus standard care in 40 to 70 year old regional adults: study protocol of the Management to Optimise Diabetes and mEtabolic syndrome Risk reduction via Nurse-led intervention (MODERN) randomized controlled trial

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), the clustering of multiple leading risk factors, predisposes individuals to increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardio-metabolic disease risk increases with greater remoteness where specialist services are scarce. Nurse-led interventions are effective for the management of chronic disease. The aim of this clinical trial is to determine whether a nurse-implemented health and lifestyle modification program is more beneficial than standard care to reduce cardio-metabolic abnormalities and future risk of CVD and diabetes in individuals with MetS.

Methods

MODERN is a multi-centre, open, parallel group randomized controlled trial in regional Victoria, Australia. Participants were self-selected and individuals aged 40 to 70 years with MetS who had no evidence of CVD or other chronic disease were recruited. Those attending a screening visit with any 3 or more risk factors of central obesity, dyslipidemia (high triglycerides or low high density lipoprotein cholesterol) elevated blood pressure and dysglycemia were randomized to either nurse-led health and lifestyle modification (intervention) or standard care (control). The intervention included risk factor management, health education, care planning and scheduled follow-up commensurate with level of risk. The primary cardio-metabolic end-point was achievement of risk factor thresholds to eliminate MetS or minimal clinically meaningful changes for at least 3 risk factors that characterise MetS over 2 year follow-up. Pre-specified secondary endpoints to evaluate between group variations in cardio-metabolic risk, general health and lifestyle behaviours and new onset CVD and type 2 diabetes will be evaluated. Key outcomes will be measured at baseline, 12 and 24 months via questionnaires, physical examinations, pathology and other diagnostic tests. Health economic analyses will be undertaken to establish the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

Discussion

The MODERN trial will provide evidence for the potential benefit of independent nurse-run clinics in the community and their cost-effectiveness in adults with MetS. Findings will enable more nurse-led clinics to be adopted outside of major cities and encompassing other chronic diseases as a key primary preventative initiative.

Trial registration

MODERN is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000229471) on 19 February 2016 (retrospectively registered).

Secondary identifiers: MODERN is an investigator-initiated trial funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia from 2014 to 2017 via a Project Grant (ID No. APP1069043) and was approved by the Australian Catholic University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project No: 2014 244 V) and the Department of Health Human Research Ethics Committee (Project No:38/2014) for the release of Medicare claims information.

A phase 2 quasi-experimental trial evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of complex nursing intervention focused on QoL assessment on advanced cancer patients with palliative care needs: study protocol

BACKGROUND

Palliative care (PC) is an approach that improves the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their families facing the problem associated with incurable terminal disease. A number of QoL assessment tools have been validated in PC and their use described for research purposes, to support clinical practice, and as part of the quality improvement programs. There is a paucity of evidence on the implementation of a nursing intervention focused on QoL assessment in PC practice.The aim of this study is to model and determine the feasibility of a nursing complex intervention focused on QoL assessment in PC practice.

METHODS

The intervention will be evaluated through a quasi-experimental non-equivalent comparison group before-after study design. This project can be classified as phases 1-2, according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions.The study setting will take place in two inpatient hospice units in Italy. The study sample will be constituted of 39 multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and a sample of 46 advanced cancer patients admitted to hospices during the implementation of the intervention.

DISCUSSION

This study will generate information to address the implementation of QoL measurement in palliative care practice. Findings of this study will be used to inform a phase 3 trial according to the MRC framework.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN41201864 retrospectively registered.

The distress thermometer in survivors of gynaecological cancer: accuracy in screening and association with the need for person-centred support

PURPOSE

Unrecognised psychological distress among cancer survivors may be identified using short screening tools. We validated the accuracy of the distress thermometer (DT) to detect psychological distress on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) among early stage gynaecological cancer survivors and whether the women's DT and HADS scores were associated with the need of an individualised supportive intervention.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-five gynaecological cancer survivors answered DT and HADS before randomisation in a trial testing a nurse-led, person-centred intervention using supportive conversations. The number of conversations was decided in the woman-nurse dyad based on the woman's perceived need. Nurses were unaware of the women's DT and HADS scores. We validated DT's accuracy for screening using HADS as gold standard and receiver operating characteristic curves. Associations between DT and HADS scores and the number of conversations received were investigated.

RESULTS

For screening of distress (HADS ≥ 15), a DT score ≥ 2, had a sensitivity of 93% (95% CI 82-98%), a specificity of 40% (32-49%), and positive and negative predictive values of 36% (28-45%), and 94% (84-98%), respectively; area under curve was 0.73 (0.64-0.81). Higher DT and HADS scores were associated with more interventional conversations.

CONCLUSIONS

In gynaecological cancer survivors, DT may perform fairly well as a first stage screening tool for distress, but a second stage is likely needed due to a high number of false positives. DT and HADS scores may predict the number of supportive conversations needed in an individualised intervention in gynaecological cancer survivors.

Nurse-led theory-based educational intervention improves glycemic and metabolic parameters in South Asian patients with type II diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed whether a structured nurse-led diabetes educational program underpinned by the theories of the health belief model, change in locus of control, and patient empowerment is effective in improving glycemic and metabolic parameters among South Asians with type II diabetes compared to regular outpatient care.

METHODS

This was a parallel-group randomized trial in South Asian adult patients with type II diabetes living in Qatar. 460 subjects were randomized to a nurse-led, group-based diabetes educational program (n = 230) or to usual care (n = 230). The primary outcome was the improvement in HbA1c and other metabolic parameters, including lipid profile, albumin/creatinine ratio, blood pressure, and body mass index. Patients in the intervention group were invited to attend four 2-h sessions of self-efficacy improvement education once weekly. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 months later. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance) for each of the clinical outcome variables.

RESULTS

After 12 months, 290 patients completed the study. Subjects in the intervention group had statistically significant improvements in HbA1c (-0.55 %, p = 0.012), fasting blood sugar (-16.6 mg/dl, p = 0.022), albumin/creatinine ratio (-3.09, p < 0.001), and HDL cholesterol (+6.08 mg/dl, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of South Asian patients with type II diabetes in a structured, theory-based diabetes educational program that is led by nurses improves glycemic and metabolic parameters after 12 months.

A nurse-led sexual rehabilitation intervention after radiotherapy for gynecological cancer

Purpose

Although vaginal dilator use after combined pelvic radiation therapy and brachytherapy (RT/BT) is recommended to prevent vaginal shortening and stenosis, women fail to use them and experience sexual problems. A nurse-led sexual rehabilitation intervention targeting sexual recovery and vaginal dilatation was developed. Its feasibility was investigated during a prospective, longitudinal, observational pilot study.

Methods

Four oncology nurses were specifically trained to conduct the intervention. Gynecologic cancer patients treated with RT/BT were assessed using (i) questionnaires on frequency of dilator use (monthly), sexual functioning, and sexual distress (at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months) and psychological and relational distress (at 1, 6, and 12 months); (ii) semi-structured interviews (between 6 and 12 months); and (iii) consultation recordings (a random selection of 21 % of all consults).

Results

Twenty participants were 26–71 years old (mean = 40). Eight participants discontinued participation after 3 to 9 months. At 6 months after RT, 14 out of 16 (88 %), and at 12 months 9 out of 12 (75 %), participants dilated regularly, either by having sexual intercourse or by using dilators. Sexual functioning improved between 1 and 6 months after RT, with further improvement at 12 months. Most participants reported that the intervention was helpful and the nurses reported having sufficient expertise and counseling skills.

Conclusions

According to the pilot results, the intervention was feasible and promising for sexual rehabilitation and regular dilator use after RT. Its (cost-)effectiveness will be investigated in a randomized controlled trial.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00520-016-3453-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Collaborative nurse-led self-management support for primary care patients with anxiety, depressive or somatic symptoms: Cluster-randomised controlled trial (findings of the SMADS study)

BACKGROUND

Collaborative, nurse-led care is a well-established model of ambulatory care in many healthcare systems. Nurses play a key role in managing patients' conditions as well as in enhancing symptom- and self-management skills.

OBJECTIVE

The SMADS trial evaluated the effectiveness of a primary care-based, nurse-led, complex intervention to promote self-management in patients with anxiety, depressive or somatic symptoms. Change in self-efficacy 12 months post baseline was used as the primary outcome.

DESIGN

The SMADS trial set up a two-arm, cluster randomised controlled trial in the city of Hamburg, a large metropolitan area in the North West of Germany.

SETTING

We randomly allocated participating primary care practices to either the intervention group (IG), implementing a nurse-led collaborative care model, or to the control group (CG), where patients with the above psychosomatic symptoms received routine treatment.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients from 18 to 65 years of age, regularly consulting a participating primary care practice, scoring≥5 on the anxiety, depressive or somatic symptom scales of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D), German version.

METHODS

A mixed model regression approach was used to analyse the outcome data. Analyses were based on the intention-to-treat population: All enrolled patients were analysed at their follow-up. Additionally, we reported results as effect sizes. The robustness of the results was investigated by performing an observed cases analysis.

RESULTS

325 participants (IG N=134, CG N=191) from ten practices in each study arm consented to take part and completed a baseline assessment. The mean group difference (ITT-LOCF, IG vs. CG) in self-efficacy at the post baseline follow-up (median 406days) was 1.65 points (95% CI 0.50-2.8) in favour of IG (p=0.004). This amounts to a small Cohen's d effect size of 0.33. An observed cases analysis (168 participants, IG=56, CG=105) resulted in a mean difference of 3.13 (95% CI 1.07-5.18, p=0.003) between the groups, amounting to a moderate effect size of d=0.51.

CONCLUSION

A complex, nurse-led intervention, implemented as a collaborative care model, increased perceived self-efficacy in patients with symptoms of anxiety, depression or somatisation compare to control patients. For the first time in the German healthcare system, the SMADS trial validated the belief that a nurse can successfully complement the work of a general practitioner - particularly in supporting self-management of patients with psychosomatic symptoms and their psychosocial needs.

The effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention with the distress thermometer for patients treated with curative intent for breast cancer: design of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Distress in patients with cancer influences their quality of life. Worldwide, screening on distress with the Distress Thermometer (DT) in patients with cancer is recommended. However, the effects of the use of the DT on the psychosocial wellbeing of the patient are unknown. A study to assess the psychosocial consequences of the systematic use of the DT and its discussion by a nurse as compared to the usual care provided to outpatients who are treated for primary breast cancer is needed.

Methods/design

The effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention with the DT will be tested in a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. Patients treated with curative intent for breast cancer will be recruited from the Radboud University Medical Center. The intervention consists of the DT together with discussion of the results with the patient by a trained oncology nurse added to the usual care. Patients will be randomly allocated (1:1) to either receive usual care or the usual care plus the intervention. Primary outcome measure is global quality of life measured with the EORTC QLQ-C30. The functional and symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale, Illness Cognition Questionnaire and DT (baseline and final measurement only) will be used to measure secondary outcomes. Questionnaires are obtained in both arms at baseline, after completion of each type of cancer treatment modality and during follow up, with a three and six months’ interval during the first and second year respectively.

Discussion

This study will be the first randomized controlled longitudinal study about the effectiveness of the DT as nurse led-intervention. In case of proven effectiveness, future implementation and standardization of use of the DT as part of routine care will be recommended.

Trial registration

This study is registered at clinicaltrial.gov march 17, 2010 (NCT01091584).

Improving outcomes in adults with epilepsy and intellectual disability (EpAID) using a nurse-led intervention: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Background

In adults with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy there are suggestions that improvements in management may follow introduction of epilepsy nurse-led care. However, this has not been tested in a definitive clinical trial and results cannot be generalised from general population studies as epilepsy tends to be more severe and to involve additional clinical comorbidities in adults with ID. This trial investigates whether nurses with expertise in epilepsy and ID, working proactively to a clinically defined role, can improve clinical and quality of life outcomes in the management of epilepsy within this population, compared to treatment as usual. The trial also aims to establish whether any perceived benefits represent good value for money.

Methods/design

The EpAID clinical trial is a two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial of nurse-led epilepsy management versus treatment as usual. This trial aims to obtain follow-up data from 320 participants with ID and drug-resistant epilepsy. Participants are randomly assigned either to a ‘treatment as usual’ control or a ‘defined epilepsy nurse role’ active arm, according to the cluster site at which they are treated. The active intervention utilises the recently developed Learning Disability Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Competency Framework for adults with ID. Participants undergo 4 weeks of baseline data collection, followed by a minimum of 20 weeks intervention (novel treatment or treatment as usual), followed by 4 weeks of follow-up data collection. The primary outcome is seizure severity, including associated injuries and the level of distress manifest by the patient in the preceding 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes include cost-utility analysis, carer strain, seizure frequency and side effects. Descriptive measures include demographic and clinical descriptors of participants and clinical services in which they receive their epilepsy management. Qualitative study of clinical interactions and semi-structured interviews with clinicians and participants’ carers are also undertaken.

Discussion

The EpAID clinical trial is the first cluster randomised controlled trial to test possible benefits of a nurse-led intervention in adults with epilepsy and ID. This research will have important implications for ID and epilepsy services. The challenges of undertaking such a trial in this population, and the approaches to meeting these are discussed.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN96895428 version 1.1. Registered on 26 March 2013.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1429-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Aging, Community and Health Research Unit-Community Partnership Program for older adults with type 2 diabetes and multiple chronic conditions: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of community-based self-management interventions in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and multiple chronic conditions (MCC). The objectives of this study were to examine the feasibility of implementation in practice (primary) and the feasibility of study methods and potential effectiveness (secondary) of the Aging, Community and Health-Community Partnership Program, a new 6-month interprofessional, nurse-led program to promote diabetes self-management in older adults (>65 years) with T2DM and MCC.

METHODS

This study used a prospective one-group pre-test/post-test design. Participants were recruited from a specialized diabetes clinic. They received a median of three in-home/clinic visits by certified diabetes educators (CDEs) and attended a median of three group wellness sessions provided by the CDEs in partnership with a community-based seniors' association. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the program (acceptability, fidelity, implementation barriers/facilitators). Secondary outcomes included the feasibility of the study methods (recruitment/retention rates and procedures, eligibility criteria, data collection and analysis methods) and potential effectiveness of the program based on 6-month changes in self-reported outcomes including self-management behavior (diet, exercise, self-monitoring), health status (quality of life, mental health), and costs of service use. Analysis of feasibility outcomes was primarily based on descriptive statistics. The potential effectiveness of the program was explored using different tests, with the results expressed using descriptive statistics and effect estimates (95 % confidence intervals).

RESULTS

In total, 45 (88 %) of 51 eligible persons consented to participate. Of these, 37 (82 %) completed the 6-month follow-up. Participants and providers viewed the program as acceptable and feasible. Participants had a higher SF-12 physical component summary score at 6 months compared with baseline (mean score difference 3.0, 95 % CI 0.2-5.8). Median costs for diabetes care increased over 6 months (reflecting inclusion of program costs), while other service costs either decreased or remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers preliminary evidence that the program was feasible to deliver and acceptable to participants and providers. Initial results suggest that the program may improve physical functioning. A randomized controlled trial is feasible, with some adaptations to the program and study methods that were identified from this feasibility study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01880476.

Nurse-led intervention on knowledge, attitude and beliefs towards acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease has emerged as a number one killer in Malaysia and globally. Much of the morbidity and mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients is because of patients not recognizing their symptoms which contributes to delay in seeking early treatment.

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led health education programme on knowledge, attitude and beliefs of coronary patients towards the responses to acute coronary syndrome and the association with patients' characteristics.

METHODS

A single-group quasi-experimental design took place in a tertiary hospital. A total of 60 coronary patients were recruited to this study. The knowledge, attitude and beliefs towards acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were evaluated at baseline and after 1 month of giving education intervention.

RESULTS

Knowledge, attitude and beliefs about ACS increased significantly from baseline to 1 month after intervention. Level of attitude was associated with gender, educational level and employment status.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that an education program conducted by a nurse improved patients' level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in response to ACS symptoms at 1 month compared to baseline, but whether they are sustained for a longer period is unclear. Improving the responses towards ACS might reduce decision delay in symptom interpretation and seeking early treatment.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurse-led interventions have imparted positive outcomes in response to ACS symptoms among coronary patients. Therefore, nurses should take the initiative in educating patients to minimize delay in symptom interpretation and seeking early treatment.

Developing and evaluating Robocare; an innovative, nurse-led robotic prostatectomy care pathway

PURPOSE

A Robotic Prostatectomy Care Pathway ("Robocare"), aiming to prepare men for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and manage side-effects and long-term follow-up in a multidisciplinary fashion was established. The pathway enhances patient care by providing adequate information and support and optimizes efficiency by reducing length of stay and minimizing hospital visits. Our study assesses the pathway for patient satisfaction, co-ordination of care between disciplines, length of stay and readmission rates.

METHOD

We analysed our database of all patients undergoing RARP with Robocare between July 2012 and December 2013 at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia (PMCC). Compliance, Length of Stay and Postoperative Course were analysed. Patient satisfaction was assessed.

RESULTS

Overall 124 patients underwent RARP with 105 (85%) being discharged day 1 post-op (mean 1.3 days). Post-operative support phone calls were received by >95% of patients. Thereafter, 74 patients (60%) were followed in the long-term follow-up phone clinic. Twenty-nine complications were identified of which 19 (66%) were resolved by the nurse specialist. Eighteen patients had psychologist, 44 sexual health and 44 physiotherapist referral. Patient satisfaction in 74 (60%) returned surveys revealed 71 (96%) being well/very well supported.

CONCLUSIONS

The Robocare pathway is safe with high patient satisfaction. It contributes to reducing post-operative length of stay and readmission rates as well as the outpatient follow-up. A true multidisciplinary approach that is nurse-led likely improves care and outcomes for RARP patients and may lower impact on hospital resources.

Efficacy of a nurse-led email reminder program for cardiovascular prevention risk reduction in hypertensive patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Many strategies have been evaluated to improve the prevention and control of cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors. Nursing telephonic and tele-counseling individualized lifestyle educational programs have been found to improve blood pressure control and adherence to lifestyle recommendation. This study tested the efficacy of a nurse-led reminder program through email (NRP-e) to improve CVD risk factors among hypertensive adults.

METHODS

All participants received usual CVD prevention and a guideline-based educational program. Subjects in the NRP-e group also received weekly email alerts and phone calls from a nurse care manager for 6 months. Emails contained a reminder program on the need for adherence with a healthy lifestyle based upon current guidelines. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 3 and 6 months after enrollment; randomization was made centrally and blood samples were evaluated into a single laboratory.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 98 (control) and 100 (NRP-e) subjects (mean age 59.0 ± 14.5 years; 51.0% males). After 6 months, the following CVD risk factors significantly improved in both groups: body mass index, alcohol and fruit consumption, cigarette smoking, adherence to therapy hours, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and physical activity. In the NRP-e group, however, the prevalence of several behaviors or conditions at risk decreased significantly more than in the control group: obesity (-16%), low fruit consumption (-24%), uncontrolled hypertension (-61%), LDL (-56%), and total cholesterol (-40%).

CONCLUSIONS

The NRP-e improved a range of CVD risk factors. The program had low costs, required only an average of <20 min per day in addition to normal practice, and may deserve further evaluation for the inclusion among existing care management approaches.