Selected aspects of education process realization in preventive cardiology

Abstract Introduction Prevention is necessary in order to decrease the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Effective intervention is an educational activity in the competence of general nurses. This research was focused on the educational activity regarding cardio prevention (nurse activities during the education of patients with cardiovascular disease). Aim To monitor the conditions for realization of the educational process in preventive cardiology used by nurses in the Czech Republic (CR). Method A quantitative method using the questionnaire technique of a voluntary standardized guided interview. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and the SASD programme, as well as contingency tables of chosen indicators of the second classification degree. The degree of dependence of selected signs was determined based on chi-squared and t -tests and the independence test. The sample group consisted of 1000 general nurses from surgeries of general practitioners, internists, cardiologists and hospital wards focused on cardiovascular diseases. Nurses were selected by quotas from 14 regions of CR. The questionnaire areas included identification data, data on realization of the educational process aimed at individual risk factors influencing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and effectiveness of the educational process. The tested individuals had the possibility of selecting one or more answers, or they decided on the level of their experience and opinion on a scale of 1–5; the degree of agreement was: absolutely yes, yes, no, certainly no, I cannot say. The frequency was: always, often, sometimes, seldom, never. For the comparison of cardio preventive activity of nurses in selected European countries a survey with a half-structured interview was used through e-mail communication with representatives of nurse sections of professional cardiovascular societies (Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Finland and Switzerland). Results Overall the answers received from the questioned individuals were positive, at the same time they vary in terms of the conditions that influence the effectivity of educational activity in cardio prevention. Most nurses (75.2%) employed in surgeries of general practitioners, internal and cardiology clinics lack the education focused on cardio prevention. Nurses in these surgeries (75.3%) state they have an agreement with the physician on who is responsible for conducting the educational activities. In relation to nurse education focused on cardio education this is more frequent ( p p p Conclusion General nurses working in surgeries of general practitioners, internists, cardiologists, and hospital wards focused on these areas usually lack education aimed at cardio prevention but state they conduct the education. They aim the education at risk factors although the quality and effectiveness is questionable due to the existing barriers they encounter. To these belong above all the lack of time available for each patient for him to not only learn but also adapt to, live in and keep to the necessary lifestyle suitable for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.