Development of a hospital-based cardiovascular risk factor reduction program for the community: Beyond Heart Disease

The current and future trend of the health care delivery system is prevention and health promotion. Long-term viability of hospitals depends on meeting community health education needs. With heart disease as the leading cause of death among adults nationwide, hospitals have an opportunity to offer appropriate lifestyle theory and guidance beyond conventional medical and interventional practices. Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City is one of the first hospitals in Northern California to develop a comprehensive outpatient program to complement its world renowned cardiovascular services. This paper details the Beyond Heart Disease (BHD) program designed by nurses. The goal of this program is to effectively help people reduce their risk of coronary events via successful long-term risk factor interventions. BHD, a unique medical and business venture, spans a six-week period. Group members meet in the evening for two hours, twice a week. The program includes lipid testing, a complete program syllabus, didactic lectures, small group discussion, support and goal-setting, nutritional analysis, and experiential stress reduction sessions.