Meta-analysis was possible for total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values. Six studies had TC as an outcome. Data from two studies reveal a positive, though not statistically significant result for six and eight months follow up respectively. However the random effects meta-analysis of two studies for long-term TC values found that after 12 months and 18 months the effects of the nurse-led clinics decrease. However, patients still significantly benefit from the nurse-led clinics related to risk factor management. This was assessed by calculating the number of patients who attained a target level of total cholesterol less than 5 mmol/l. The meta-analysis found that after one year there was a significantly higher number of patients in the intervention group achieving this target level. Results of the meta-analysis did not reveal significant differences between the groups in terms of the HDL level, neither long term nor short term. In summary, the meta-analysis of TC and HDL did not reveal advantages related to the nurse-led clinics, but the single results for LDL and Triglycerides showed that nurse-led clinics improved these blood lipids in the short term. No long-term effect for blood lipids was achieved with the nurse-led clinics except for the management of achieving blood lipid levels.
Definition of terms
For the purposes of this information sheet the following definitions were used:
Nurse-led clinic – a term used for clinics defined as clinics providing a service for the customer that is managed and staffed solely by nurses, with the ability to assess, treat and consult or refer the consumer to other health disciplines as required.
Cardiac risks factors – health or lifestyle influences that increase the chances of CHD. Known modifiable risk factors include being overweight, smoking, elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, suffering from depression, sedentary lifestyle and having a high intake of alcohol.
Compliance – defined as the willingness to follow treatment.