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The Million Hearts initiative: Guidelines and best practices
Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk1, Liana Orsolini, Kate Gawlik
1Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk is the associate vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer, dean and professor, College of Nursing, and professor of pediatrics and psychiatry, College of Medicine, at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Liana Orsolini is a care delivery and advanced practice system consultant at Bon Secours Health System, Inc., Marriottsville, Md. Kate Gawlik is clinical faculty and a board certified adult nurse practitioner at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Lynne T. Braun is a professor of nursing and nurse practitioner at Rush University, College of Nursing, Chicago, Ill. Deborah A. Chyun is John W. Rowe professor of successful aging, executive associate dean at New York University, College of Nursing, New York, NY. Vicki S. Conn is an associate dean at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob is dean and distinguished service professor of nursing, epidemology, psychology, and occupational therapy at University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pa. Lisa M. Lewis is an associate professor at University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pa. Gail D'Eramo Melkus is associate dean for research at NYU College of Nursing, New York, NY. Angelica Millan is nursing director at county of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Children Medical Services, El Monte, Calif. Virginia Hill Rice is a professor at Wayne State University College of Nursing & Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Mich. JoEllen Wilbur is a professor and associate dean for research at Rush University, Chicago, Ill. Sarah Nowlin is a PhD student at NYU College of Nursing, New York, NY. Abigail R. Olin is a DNP student at University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Insights
Million Hearts aims to enhance cardiovascular health using evidence-based prevention. This review focuses on the ABCS of Million Hearts, highlighting nurse practitioner-led care models and recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Million Hearts is a national initiative focused on preventing heart disease and stroke.
- Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death, necessitating evidence-based prevention strategies.
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in delivering primary care and managing chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the core components of the Million Hearts initiative, known as the ABCS (Aspirin, Blood Pressure control, Cholesterol management, Smoking cessation).
- To examine the effectiveness and implementation of NP-led care models within the Million Hearts framework.
- To provide recommendations for advancing clinical practice, education, research, and health policy related to cardiovascular disease prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Million Hearts initiatives and NP-led care models.
- Analysis of evidence-based practices for cardiovascular disease prevention.
- Synthesis of recommendations for stakeholders in healthcare.
Main Results:
- The ABCS of Million Hearts provide a robust framework for cardiovascular risk reduction.
- NP-led care models demonstrate significant potential in improving patient outcomes and access to care.
- Successful implementation requires integrated strategies across clinical practice, education, research, and policy.
Conclusions:
- NP-led care is integral to achieving Million Hearts goals for improving cardiovascular health.
- Strengthening NP roles can enhance the delivery of evidence-based prevention strategies nationwide.
- Coordinated efforts are essential to translate research findings into effective public health policies and clinical practices.
Abstract:
Million Hearts is a national initiative to improve the nation's cardiovascular health through evidence-based practices and prevention. This article reviews the ABCS of Million Hearts with an emphasis on NP-led care models. Recommendations for clinical practice, education, research, and health policy are highlighted.
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