A systematic review of community nursing interventions focusing on improving outcomes for individuals exhibiting risk factors of cardiovascular disease

Objective To examine the role of community-based nursing interventions in improving outcomes for community-dwelling individuals exhibiting risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Design A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Data Sources Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Global Health, LILACS, Africa-Wide Information, IMEMR, and WPRIM) were searched from inception to 16 March 2018. Review Methods This review included outcomes from studies that were led by or delivered primarily by nurses for individuals exhibiting risk factors of CVD in community settings. At least two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias. Results 46 studies met the eligibility criteria. Community nursing interventions were found to be effective in improving clinical outcomes of symptom control, symptom awareness, symptom management, and social outcomes. Effective interventions were found to be facilitated by a community-centric approach, participant empowerment, reinforcement strategies, a targeted approach towards underserved populations, and home visits. These resulted in positive outcomes such as significant reductions in HbA1c for diabetic patients, attainment of blood pressure targets for hypertensive patients and greater improvement in self-reported dietary intake for patients with hyperlipidaemia. Conclusion Community-based nurse-led interventions can result in positive outcomes for patients with risk factors of CVD. However, the success of such interventions needs to be facilitated by appropriate funding, thoughtful intervention design and training opportunities for nurses. Impact Community-based nursing interventions are largely effective in improving clinical and social outcomes for community-dwelling individuals with risk factors of CVD.