A Remote Nursing‐Guided Secondary Prevention Programme in Acute Coronary Syndrome. The SPRING Randomised Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Aim To assess the impact of a nurse‐led remote secondary cardiovascular prevention programme versus usual follow‐up in patients who have suffered an acute coronary syndrome in terms of major adverse clinical events (MACE), diet, physical exercise, smoking, emotional state, adherence to medical treatment, cardiometabolic profile and anthropometric parameters within one year of discharge. Design Prospective, randomised, open‐label, evaluator‐blinded, multicentre trial. Methods Between October 17, 2017, and February 5, 2023, patients were randomly assigned to either a usual follow‐up of two cardiology visits over 12 months or the nurse‐led remote secondary cardiovascular prevention programme, which also included 5 nursing visits (one face‐to‐face and four remote). Results At 12 months, the nurse‐led remote prevention programme group (interventional group) had lower smoking rates, greater adherence to medication, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet, more physical activity, and better perceived health status compared to the usual follow‐up group. The interventional group demonstrated a reduction in major adverse clinical events (20.7%) compared to the usual follow‐up group (12.4%). This reduction was observed particularly in Acute Coronary Syndrome recurrence, all‐cause hospitalisation, and hospitalisation for cardiovascular causes. Conclusions Patients randomised to the nurse‐led remote prevention programme showed a significant reduction of the MACE, improved lifestyle, and medication adherence at 12 months compared to the usual follow‐up group. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care This study illustrates the feasibility and efficacy of a remote secondary cardiovascular prevention programme led by advanced practice nurses in patients who have suffered an Acute Coronary Syndrome. Reporting Method CONSORT. Patient or Public Contribution None. Trial Registration The study was prospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov : NCT03234023