A Randomized Feasibility Trial of a New Lifestyle Referral Assessment Versus Usual Assessment in an Acute Cardiology Setting

Background:

A healthy diet, taking exercise, and not smoking or consuming alcohol in excess are important to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease either alone or in combination with statin medication. Health education, including providing information to patients on healthy living and guidance on how to achieve it, is a key nursing function.

Objectives:

This study aims first to assess the feasibility of conducting a full-scale trial of lifestyle referral assessment as shown by recruitment rate, data collection, and follow-up and second to assess proof of concept and explore possible mechanisms of change.

Methods:

This was a single-center, randomized, 2-arm, parallel-group, unblinded feasibility trial conducted in an acute teaching hospital trust. Participants were followed up at 3 and 6 months after randomization.

Results:

Eight hundred eighty-seven patients were screened for eligibility, of whom 132 (15%) were randomized into the trial. Of the patients allocated to the individualized assessment, 27% accepted referral or self-referred by 3 months in comparison to 5% allocated to the usual assessment.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated that a full-scale trial is feasible and that an individualized approach increased the number of patients accepting referral to a formal program and initiating lifestyle change. However, we should consider the aim of the assessment and ways in which the process of change can be optimized in order to produce long-term benefit for patients.