N026 Evaluation of a nurse practitioner led cardiovascular risk reduction clinic

Abstract

Cardiovascular health promotion and risk reduction have been mainly seen as an activity that occurs in primary care by family physicians. Often resources and time limitations prevent health promotion and risk reduction practices to be implemented in acute care and hospital based outpatient clinics. However, control of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors for prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease is necessary to reduce the burden on the health care system. The Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in November 2009 introduced a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic (CRRC) to perform a variety of clinical activities related to cardiovascular risk assessment and reduction services, including follow-up on patients for primary and secondary prevention. The role of the NP and structure of the CRRC will be described. Evaluation of the NP role since its implementation will be presented. Preliminary data suggests reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in relation to achievement of targets in blood pressure, HgA1c, and LDL as per national guidelines. Further issues experienced and recommendations will be highlighted. Nurse Practitioner led clinics can be an efficient and effective way to provide cardiovascular risk factor reduction.