Impact of diabetes mellitus on the clinical management of global cardiovascular risk: analysis of the results of the Evaluation of Final Feasible Effect of Control Training and Ultra Sensitization (EFFECTUS) educational program.

Background: The Evaluation of Final Feasible Effect of Ultra Control Training and Sensitization (EFFECTUS) study is aimed at implementing global cardiovascular (CV) risk management in Italy.

Hypothesis: To evaluate the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on attitudes and preferences for clinical management of global CV risk among physicians treating diabetic or nondiabetic patients.

Methods: Involved physicians were asked to submit data into a study-designed case-report form, covering the first 10 adult outpatients consecutively seen in May 2006.

An analysis of the management of cardiovascular risk factors in routine clinical practice in Italy: an overview of the main findings of the EFFECTUS study.

Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, worldwide. Early detection and appropriate management of cardiovascular risk factors and disease markers in daily clinical practice may improve preventive strategies and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. The EFFECTUS (Evaluation of Final Feasible Effect of Control Training and Ultra Sensitisation) programme was an educational programme aimed at evaluating prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors among outpatients, and preferences and attitudes for cardiovascular disease management among Italian physicians in their routine clinical practice.

Association of physicians' accuracy in recording with quality of care in cardiovascular medicine.

Background: Physicians' adherence to cardiovascular (CV) guidelines has been found to be poor. In this regard, accuracy in keeping medical records could play an important role. This study was devised to describe which data are present in medical records from a large sample of physicians and to investigate the association and the link between completeness in recording and clinical appropriateness.

[Impact of a nurse-based heart failure management program on hospitalization rate, functional status, quality of life, and medical costs].

Background: Chronic heart failure is a major health problem for prevalence, morbidity and costs; heart failure management programs may prevent hospital admissions, improve clinical status and reduce medical costs.

Methods: A care program for chronic heart failure patients was activated by the Cardiology Department, based on a nurse-monitored outpatient clinic, ran in cooperation with cardiologists, who were responsible for optimal pharmacological treatment. Nurses provided patient education, monitoring of clinical status and symptoms and verified adherence to pharmacologic and dietary therapy.