The development and randomised feasibility trial of a Nurse-led lifestyle modification follow-up programme among post-myocardial infarction patients

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the most often occurring disease in India accounting for 24.8% of deaths. Myocardial infarction contributes to this. A higher risk of cardiovascular disease exists due to comorbidities or the unawareness of existing illness among the Indian population. There is a shortage of published research on cardiovascular disease and a lack of standard cardiac rehabilitation programmes in India. Aim: Our study aims to develop a Nurse-led lifestyle modification follow-up programme, to assess and compare the effectiveness of the programme on health outcomes and quality of life among post-myocardial infarction patients. Methods: A two arm, single-blinded, randomised feasibility trial was conducted by developing a Nurse-led lifestyle modification follow-up programme. The interventional programme was based on the information-motivation-behavioural skill model and included health education, an educational booklet, and telephone follow-up. For feasibility testing of intervention, 12 patients were randomly allocated ( n = 6/group). Patients in the control group were provided with routine care, while the intervention group was given routine care along with a Nurse-led lifestyle modification follow-up programme. Results: It was possible to use this tool. In addition to determining the tool’s feasibility for use we found that the intervention group showed a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure (BP) ( p = 0.001), diastolic BP ( p = 0.016), Body Mass Index (BMI) ( p = 0.004), and quality of life in all the subscales – physical, emotional and social ( p < 0.001) after 12 weeks of discharge. Conclusion: Findings from this study will help to reinforce designing a cost-effective care delivery system in the care of post-myocardial infarction patients. This programme is a novel approach to improve preventive, curative and rehabilitative services for the post-myocardial infarction patients in India.