Impact of nurse-led postoperative education on health outcomes following endovascular aortic repair: a randomized trial

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not statistically significant (exact values not provided)

• Effect Size: Not reported in abstract

• Primary Outcome: No statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups on health outcome measures

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - no significant benefit demonstrated

• Confidence Interval: Not reported in abstract

Clinical Application

Intervention requires dedicated specialist nursing resources and structured clinic time, which may be challenging in resource-constrained settings Relevant to Australian vascular surgery units; however, lack of demonstrated benefit questions cost-effectiveness under PBS funding models and resource allocation in public hospitals Adult patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in tertiary vascular surgery centres

Abstract

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to investigate the health effects of an education-based intervention performed at a nurse-led clinic, for patients who underwent endovascular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Fifty-four adult patients were randomized to the intervention group (n = 26) or the control group (n = 28). The control group received standard care, and the intervention group received standard care alongside two consultations at a specialist surgical nurse-led clinic. The consultations focused on individual motivational support and education about abdominal aortic aneurysm disease. Data was collected prior to surgery (baseline) and at one, six, and 12 months postoperatively for each group. Outcomes of interest included participants' responses to the Health Education Impact Questionnaire, responses to the EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire, and responses to four complementary items specific to the scope of this study. Both groups reported overall high ratings of perceived health throughout the study period. While there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, the control group showed a substantial improvement in perceived understanding of their diagnosis over time. This randomized controlled trial did not find any significant health benefits as compared to standard treatment.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (19/05/2025 NCT06986252). Retrospectively registered.