Nurse & allied professional research in cardiovascular care
The importance of NAP involvement in research advancing cardiovascular care
Nurses and allied professionals (NAPs) play a crucial role in shaping the future of cardiovascular healthcare through research, clinical audits, and quality improvement initiatives. Their hands-on experience provides valuable insights that drive evidence-based practice, improve patient outcomes, and influence healthcare policies. By engaging in research, NAPs help bridge the gap between clinical practice and scientific discovery, ensuring that care strategies remain effective, efficient, and patient-centred.
This page explores the key areas where NAPs contribute to research in cardiology, including clinical studies, audit and quality improvement, and practical steps for getting involved in research. We also highlight the key findings from the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and their recommendations for increasing NAP-led research in everyday practice.
Read on to discover how you can play an active role in transforming cardiovascular care through research and innovation.
NAP involvement in research
Key points from ACNAP statement
The European Society of Cardiology’s (ESC) Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP) emphasises the growing need for NAPs to engage in clinical research. The article, "Nurses and Allied Professionals’ Engagement in Clinical Research-in-Practice", outlines the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for increasing nurse-led research. Key takeaways include:
- The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical trials.
- Overcoming barriers such as limited research training and funding.
- The impact of research on improving cardiac patient care pathways
How NAP-led Research Transforms Patient Care
Research conducted by NAPs has led to advancements in cardiology, including:
- Enhanced patient education: Research-backed education and self-care programmes help patients manage conditions like hypertension and heart failure more effectively.
- Innovative care models: Studies on remote monitoring and digital health solutions improve early intervention and disease management.
- Policy and practice changes: Findings from NAP-led studies influence service delivery, leading to improvements to care and access to treatments.
Finding and working with a research mentor
Having a mentor can significantly enhance your ability to engage in cardiovascular research. A research mentor provides guidance, support, and opportunities to develop your skills in clinical studies, audits, and quality improvement. Here’s how to find and collaborate with a mentor effectively.
Identify the right mentor
Look for senior NAPs, clinicians, or academics involved in cardiovascular research within your hospital, professional networks, or organisations like SNAPCA or ACNAP.
Build a collaborative relationship
Regularly meet with your mentor to discuss research interests, seek advice on study design, and gain insights into publishing and presenting research.
Engage in research activities
Assist in ongoing studies, contribute to literature reviews, or co-author research papers to gain hands-on experience under expert guidance.
Bring value as a NAP
Offer clinical insights, patient-centred perspectives, and real-world challenges that can shape meaningful research questions and improve study relevance.
The role of audit and quality improvement
Audit and quality improvement (QI) are essential components of clinical research that help bridge the gap between evidence and practice. By systematically evaluating patient care and implementing targeted improvements, NAPs can drive meaningful changes in cardiovascular health outcomes.
What is clinical audit?
A clinical audit is a structured review of current practice compared to established best practices or guidelines. It helps identify gaps in care and areas for enhancement. In cardiology, audits can focus on:
- Adherence to guidelines: Are treatments for heart failure, hypertension, or post-MI care in line with national and international recommendations?
- Patient outcomes: Are patients receiving timely interventions that improve survival and recovery?
- Medication safety: Are prescribed cardiovascular drugs being administered correctly and monitored for adverse effects?
What is quality improvement (QI)?
QI goes beyond auditing by actively implementing changes to enhance patient care. It follows a continuous cycle of assessment, action, and evaluation, often using frameworks like Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) or Lean Healthcare.For cardiology NAPs, QI initiatives might include:
- Reducing hospital readmissions: Implementing structured discharge plans for heart failure patients.
- Enhancing early detection: Developing NAP-led screening protocols for atrial fibrillation or hypertension.
- Streamlining care pathways: Improving co-ordination between primary care, emergency departments, and cardiology units.
How NAPs can get involved in audit and QI
- Participate in clinical audits: Collaborate with hospital teams to review patient data and outcomes.
- Identify improvement areas: Use frontline experiences to pinpoint inefficiencies in care delivery.
- Engage in research-based QI projects: Apply research findings to test and implement best practices.
- Share best practices: Present successful QI initiatives at conferences or publish results in journals.
By actively engaging in audit and QI, NAPs contribute to the ongoing improvement of cardiovascular care, ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective treatments available.
Resources
Access to the right resources is essential for NAPs looking to engage in cardiovascular research. From online research databases to professional networks and funding opportunities, numerous tools are available to help you develop research skills and contribute to evidence-based practice. Organisations like the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP), and national NAP bodies offer research training, mentorship programs, and grant opportunities. Journals, online courses, and clinical trial registries also provide valuable insights into ongoing research and best practices. By utilising these resources, NAPs can actively contribute to advancing cardiovascular care through high-quality research.
