Risk factor screening by registered nurses promotes risk reduction behaviors

Abstract

Background: Munroe Regional Center’s Stroke & Vascular Center was created to increase public awareness of risk factors and symptoms of stroke and cardiac and vascular disease. Methods: Clients were made aware of personal risk factors during community health screenings. Eleven thousand eight hundred and fifty-six persons were screened for stroke risk. Screenings performed by RNs included: health history, blood pressure, pulse, rhythm strip ECG, total cholesterol, blood glucose, carotid artery auscultation, abdominal palpation for pulsatile mass, and the Ankle Brachial Index. Clients were advised to seek physician attention for abnormal findings/risk factors noted. One month following thier screening, each client with an abnormal finding was telephoned to determine what risk reduction/health promotion activities the client had taken since the screening. Results: Health promotion/ risk reduction behavior varied according to the risk factor identified. Actions taken included contacting thier MD, recieving new or changed medications, beginning exercise programs, changing diet habits, follow up diagnostic testing and surgical interventions. Conclusion: We have shown that RN assessment and counseling can prompt health promotion behaviors. Up to 58% of clients reported some action to reduce risk.