A Remote Nursing-Guided Secondary Prevention Programme in Acute Coronary Syndrome. The SPRING Randomised Controlled
Carmen Neri Fernández-Pombo1,2,3, Guillermo Aldama-López1,3, Marta Lorenzo-Carpente1
1Cardiology Department, University Hospital of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|May 15, 2025
Summary
A nurse-led remote program significantly reduced major adverse clinical events (MACE) and improved lifestyle factors like diet and exercise in acute coronary syndrome patients within one year.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Nursing
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) survivors require effective secondary prevention strategies.
- Traditional follow-up may not fully address lifestyle and adherence challenges.
- Remote interventions offer a potential solution for enhanced cardiovascular care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a nurse-led remote secondary cardiovascular prevention program.
- To compare its impact against usual follow-up in ACS patients.
- To assess effects on major adverse clinical events (MACE) and lifestyle factors.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, open-label, evaluator-blinded, multicenter trial.
- ACS patients assigned to usual care or a nurse-led remote program (5 visits).
- Intervention included one face-to-face and four remote nursing visits over 12 months.
Main Results:
- The remote program group showed lower smoking rates, better medication adherence, and improved Mediterranean diet adherence.
- Increased physical activity and better perceived health status were observed in the intervention group.
- A reduction in MACE (20.7% vs. 12.4%) was noted, particularly in ACS recurrence and hospitalizations.
Conclusions:
- Nurse-led remote secondary prevention significantly reduces MACE in ACS patients.
- The program improves lifestyle behaviors and medication adherence.
- Remote nursing interventions are feasible and effective for post-ACS care.
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