The specialist nurse in coronary heart disease prevention:evidence for effectiveness

Nurse-led interventions may improve the delivery of preventive care briefly discuss insights from parallel qualitative research; to present the preliminary results of the Bromley Changes care for coronary heart disease. In the SHIP trial, three cardiac liaison nurses co-ordinated care at the hospital-general practice interface. In the ASSIST trial, three different strategies of implementing secondary prevention were used. Although various measures improved, there was no difference in clinical outcome. Qualitative research indicates that specialist education for nurses is vital. The preliminary results of the Bromley Changes for Life Programme are described: this programme achieved significant risk factor and therapeutic targets. The way forward may lie with the cardiac specialist nurse.