Background Chronic lower limb ischaemia (CLTI) is the most advanced and debilitating stage of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), characterised by high morbidity and mortality rates, which often remains underestimated and is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages. Early diagnosis and appropriate patient management are essential to improve clinical outcomes and prevent disease progression. Qualified nursing staff can play a crucial role in identifying at risk individuals, referring patients to the appropriate specialist, involving key members of the multidisciplinary team when appropriate, promoting preventive behaviours, and providing therapeutic education. Objective This scoping review aims to map the scientific evidence related to nurses' competencies in preventive interventions and patient education for CLTI in the community. Methods The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Handbook and the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley were used as guidelines for this scoping review. Consequently, the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) model was adopted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) extension was used for reporting the research and results. The databases included are MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL and grey literature sources. Results The initial bibliographic search in September 2023 yielded 2069 articles. After excluding duplicates and reviewing the abstracts/full texts of the articles for relevance, 15 articles were selected.An update of literature was conducted in Septermber 2024: 481 new articles were obtained, of which only 18 were included in the final review. Overall, of the 2550 articles found, 33 were considered. The topics found where nurses could play a role and were the subject of this scoping review include: early diagnosis, physical exercise, nutrition, and therapeutic education. Conclusions Enhancing nurses' educational and clinical competencies may facilitate the wider implementation of primary prevention strategies and help reduce the burden of disease-related complications. In addition, it would empower nurses to take a more proactive role in improving adherence to prescribed therapies and promoting behavioural changes aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk factors, within a person-centered model of care.
Background There is a need for objective, quantitative measures to assess tissue changes such as edema, induration, and sensory impairment as the chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) clinical stage progresses. Objective This study aimed to objectively evaluate edema, induration, and plantar sensation across CEAP clinical stages of CVI, and to examine the relationships between these parameters. Methods A total of 47 lower extremities with CVI were divided into three groups based on the CEAP classification: C3 (n = 26), C4 (n = 11), and C5–6 (n = 10). Edema was assessed by Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) measurement via MoistureMeterD compact, induration by Skinfibrometer, and plantar sensation by Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Rank-based ANCOVA was used to control the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) differences between the groups. Results Advancing CEAP stage was associated with increased medial edema (p < 0.001), medial induration (p = 0.006), and sensory loss at the first metatarsal head (p = 0.012) and calcaneus (p = 0.010). After controlling BMI, the relationship between disease stage and the increase in medial edema (p = 0.001) and induration (p = 0.030) remained significant. In contrast, an initial weak significance in lateral edema was lost after controlling for BMI (p = 0.131). A strong positive correlation was found between medial edema and induration (r = 0.609, p < 0.001), but no significant correlation was observed between plantar sensation and induration (p > 0.05). Conclusion Edema and induration around the medial malleolus increase with the clinical progression of CVI, independent of the patient's BMI. This indicates that CVI-related tissue changes are primarily driven by local pathophysiological mechanisms. These objective measurements are valuable tools for monitoring CVI progression and for clinical assessment.
Introduction In patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), neurological complications following endovascular therapy (EVT) remain as major barriers to improving patient outcomes. Objective To develop a nurse-led predictive assessment checklist for neurological complications such as hemorrhagic transformation, reocclusion, and malignant cerebral edema after EVT, and validate its clinical utility in improving early identification, shortening intervention time, and reducing severe complication rates. Methods This non-randomized clinical trial was conducted with patients who underwent EVT at three tertiary hospitals from January 2022 to December 2023. The predictive checklist was constructed based on systematic review of risk factors, expert consultation, and pilot testing. Patients were divided into the intervention and the control groups using a time-based sequential assignment design. Primary outcomes included the sensitivity and specificity of the checklist for predicting complications; secondary outcomes included time from abnormal detection to physician intervention, incidence of severe complications, and length of hospital stay. Results The final checklist consisted of 12 items with a total of 426 patients. The checklist demonstrated high sensitivity (89.7%) and specificity (87.2%) for predicting overall neurological complications, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.927 (95% CI: 0.876–0.942). Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significantly shorter median intervention time (42.5 min vs. 78.3 min, p < 0.001), lower incidence of severe complications (10.3%vs. 21.6%, p = 0.002), and shorter median hospital stay (10.2 days vs. 13.5 days, p < 0.001). Conclusion The nurse-led predictive assessment checklist effectively identifies high-risk patients for neurological complications after EVT, shortens prior interventional time, and reduces the incidence of severe adverse events. Implications for vascular nursing These findings highlight the critical role of nurses in optimizing outcomes for patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures and provide a scalable, cost-effective strategy for improving clinical practice.
Objective To describe the demographic and clinical profile of people diagnosed with chronic venous disease (CVD) referred from primary care to a vascular specialist at hospitals in Catalonia. Design This study used a retrospective cohort design. Methods Retrospective cohort study with a sample of 265,883 people for whom sociodemographic data were available, of a total of 333,455 individuals referred from primary care to a hospital vascular specialist between 2015 and 2021. We examined sex, age, health region of origin, number of referrals per year according to stage of the disease, and comorbidities associated with the diagnosis. Results 69.4% of the cohort were women and 30.6% men, and the mean age of the referred individuals was 61 years. For diagnoses under the heading “phlebitis and thrombophlebitis”, the number of referrals increased from 3639 in 2015 to 5200 in 2021. The proportion of venous ulcers remained fairly constant, ranging from 3.7% in 2019 to 5% in 2020. Asymptomatic varicose veins (without visible or palpable signs of venous disease) constituted 34.6% of referrals Primary hypertension and obesity were the most frequent comorbidities in all stages of chronic venous disease. Conclusion Most people with chronic venous disease referred to hospitals were female, and the proportion of phlebitis and thrombophlebitis referrals increased over the study period. A significant percentage of individuals diagnosed with asymptomatic varices were unnecessarily referred to hospitals. This phenomenon may suggest that primary care professionals need more information and training about the recommended referral criteria.
Background Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and claudication significantly affects mobility, leading to disability and reduced participation in daily activities. Regular physical activity improves walking capacity, quality of life, and reduces cardiovascular risk, yet many individuals with claudication remain inactive, worsening disease outcomes. Existing interventions have struggled to promote sustained increases in physical activity. To develop more effective strategies, it is essential to understand the lived experiences of individuals with PAD and claudication and the perspectives of healthcare professionals involved in their management. Objective To explore the lived experience of people with claudication and healthcare professionals who care for people with claudication. Methods Using a phenomenological approach, a qualitative study was conducted involving six participants who were purposively recruited from the vascular clinics of two NHS Scotland Health Boards. Three people with claudication and three healthcare professionals participated in focus group discussions of their experiences living with, and providing care for people living with claudication. The transcribed texts from the focus group discussions were analysed thematically. The study was approved by the Glasgow Caledonian University’s ethics committee and the NHS Research Ethics Committee. Results There were overlapping themes that emerged from the patients’ and healthcare professionals’ groups including the need for appropriate patient education/information sources, and perceptions of disparity in the availability of healthcare services/resources. Other themes from the patients’ included experience of reduction in their overall health status and quality of life, and the negative impact of comorbidities. Other themes from the healthcare professionals’ included heterogeneity in patients’ clinical presentation requiring tailored approaches, unrealistic patients’ expectations, and emphasis on the positive impact of exercise programmes on patients’ outcomes. Conclusions The findings underscored the complexity of managing PAD and claudication, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach that integrates personalised care, improved patient education, and improving the availability of healthcare services for patients with PAD and claudication. Interventions aimed at strengthening patient education and awareness of the condition and its management from the point of diagnosis, alongside strategies to address barriers to physical activity, are crucial for improving patient care and outcomes. Social media abstract there is need to improve patient education, and improve availability of healthcare services for patients with PAD/Claudication @GCU @UoS
Aims To report the clinical outcome of using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and NPWT with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) as adjunct therapies to promote healing of chronic mixed arterial-venous leg ulcers (MAVLUs) under compression therapy. Study design A single patient case report Methods A patient with a recalcitrant MAVLU of the right anterior lower leg unresponsive to conventional wound care for 12 weeks. The wound was managed with NPWTi-d for twelve days, followed by NPWT for eight weeks. Two-layer 20 mmHg compression therapy was used in conjunction with NPWT throughout the eight weeks. Results The four-month-old ulcer decreased in size from 81 cm² to 30.1 cm² after treatment, representing a 54.8% reduction (average healing rate of 4.56 cm²/week). Combined NPWTi-d and NPWT effectively controlled exudate, reduced polymicrobial bioburden, and promoted granulation, eliminating the need for surgical debridement. Conclusion Sequential use of NPWTi-d followed by NPWT under controlled compression therapy achieved a substantial reduction in wound size and microbial control in a chronic MAVLU without adverse effects, highlighting their value as adjunctive modalities in complex mixed-aetiology leg ulcers.
PURPOSE:Patients undergoing open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm face a lifesaving but profoundly demanding procedure that disrupts everyday life and creates challenges for their physical, emotional, and existential well-being. This review synthesizes qualitative evidence on patients' experiences of nursing care and hospitalization when admitted for open repair and the subsequent personal rehabilitation. No previous qualitative synthesis exists focusing specifically on this patient group and vascular nursing care. METHODS:A qualitative systematic review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The databases Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Theses & Dissertations were searched. Study quality was assessed using the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument, and findings were synthesized using JBI meta-aggregation supported by inductive content analysis. RESULTS:Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis identified three main categories of findings: the existential impact of life-changing moments, reclaiming everyday life, and navigating physical, informational, and emotional challenges. These categories were integrated into an overarching meta-synthesis entitled "life-changing moments and reclaiming everyday life." CONCLUSION:Patients undergoing open repair experience surgery as a life-changing event causing ongoing physical and existential challenges that extend beyond discharge. Vascular nursing practice should therefore offer gradual introduction of person-centered information, attend explicitly to existential concerns, and ensure planned follow-up to support rehabilitation and the reclaiming of everyday life.
Problem & Purpose: Improving substance use disorder (SUD) screenings can enhance patient outcomes by increasing access to treatment. Hospitalization provides an opportunity to connect individuals with SUD to care. In Spring 2024, the Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit at a large academic medical center had a SUD screening rate of only 40%, well below the institutional goal of 100%, which delayed referrals and impacted patient outcomes. This quality improvement project aimed to increase screening rates to 100% by implementing the NIDA Single-Question Screening Tool, an evidence-based intervention. Methods: This 15-week project occurred in the Fall of 2024 in a 12-bed Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit. Nursing staff integrated the screening tool into the electronic medical record. Once completed, they informed the Vascular Surgery Team during Interdisciplinary Rounds, prompting a provider consultation with the Substance Abuse Consultation Service (SACS) for further evaluation and referral. Weekly run charts tracked process and outcome measures, including screening completion rates and referrals. Results: The screening rate increased from 40% to 74.2%. Among patients who screened positive for possible substance use, 86% (n = 7) were referred for provider evaluation, and 100% (n = 6) of those were referred for treatment. Conclusions: Findings demonstrated that a nurse-driven screening algorithm significantly improved referral rates, aligning with previous research. Routine SUD screening and referral are well-supported, evidence-based interventions. The project brought screening rates closer to the institutional goal and highlighted the impact of structured interventions in improving SUD identification and treatment access.
Aims To compare the clinical implications of the new International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) criterion for calculating the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which uses the lowest systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the foot (Diagnosis 2, D2), versus the classical method that uses the highest SBP (Diagnosis 1, D1). Additionally, we assessed patient characteristics and the diagnostic accuracy of clinical signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods A cross-sectional study analyzed 442 limbs from 221 patients with diabetes. ABI was calculated as the foot SBP (highest for D1, lowest for D2) over the highest arm SBP. Low ABI (≤ 0.90) was considered indicative of PAD. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were collected. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for PAD signs. Results The prevalence of low ABI was 9.0% using D1 and 18.8% using D2, representing an absolute increase of 9.8 percentage points, with all D1 cases also identified by D2. Compared with D1, patients identified using D2 were slightly younger (66.28 ± 8.91 vs. 67.48 ± 11.27 years; p = 0.024), had a lower proportion of men (72.1% vs. 77.5%; p = 0.042), differed in smoking status distribution (p = 0.016), showed lower total cholesterol levels (153 ± 27.23 vs. 164.08 ± 36.96 mg/dL; p = 0.040), and had reduced glomerular filtration rate (58.57 ± 8.14 vs. 62.47 ± 10.47 mL/min/1.73 m²; p = 0.009). Clinical signs and symptoms demonstrated limited sensitivity but generally high specificity for PAD detection, particularly the absence of pedal pulses. Conclusion The ABI calculation method recommended by the IWGDF doubles PAD detection and identifies a broader and slightly younger at-risk population compared with the traditional method. Given the limited sensitivity of clinical signs alone, these findings support the use of the IWGDF ABI calculation as a systematic screening tool in individuals with diabetes, including those without overt symptoms.
This case report highlights the experience of formulating nurse-led health education or intervention for a patient with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidity. Nursing care was guided by Omaha system. The risk factors of a patient with cardio-cerebral comorbidity were evaluated and intervened from four dimensions: health-related behavior, physiology, social psychology and environment. Some risk factors that affected the progression of the patient's disease still existed, such as second-hand smoke in the environment, social drinking, alternative therapies, and sitting for a long time. Alternative therapies such as Raw Garlic & Vinegar Soak, Corn Silk Decoction, Sesame Seed & Black Bean Porridge were also used by the patient to treat diseases. The patient lacked some self-management abilities, such as not of attending regular follow-up, no home blood-pressure measurement, no regular monitoring in lipid management and diabetes management, Family members and the patient had no knowledge of first aid, identification and knowledge about cardiac and cerebrovascular adverse event management. 3 months later, the patient's health-related behaviors had improved, such as actively avoiding second-hand smoke, paying attention to his nutritional status, and engaging in scientific exercise. At the same time, his self-management skills had also been enhanced, such as mastering knowledge related to first aid and attending follow-up visits on time.
Purpose Stroke is the second and the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide, respectively. Having medical and nursing care after discharge from hospital is necessary to most older patients. The aim of this study was to develop a post stroke checklist detecting older patients who need follow up cares. Methods This checklist development study was conducted in Iran throughout 2023 to systematically screen older post-stroke patients requiring follow-up nursing care on discharge. A five-stage mixed-methods approach was employed: 1) initial checklist drafting based on a synthesis of 42 relevant studies; 2) interviews with home care nurses to identify clinical experiences and barriers; 3) interviews with patients and their families to determine care demands; 4) a multidisciplinary Delphi panel (n = 15) with experts in neurology, geriatrics, nursing, and social medicine to refine the checklist; and 5) clinical application over three months to evaluate detection rates compared to pre-checklist data. Content validity (CVI, CVR) and reliability (Cronbach’s α) were assessed statistically. Results The checklist structure was designed in eleven main domains, including nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary systems, skin, movement disorders, psychological status, pain assessment, medical connections and equipment, underlying conditions, and others. The experts’ opinions were analyzed through the validation form using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) indices. The results of the CVR analysis showed that all items had the necessary content validity with a score higher than 0.90. Also, the CVI index for each item was higher than 0.81, and the average CVI of the overall checklist was calculated to be 0.93, all of which indicate the desired content validity of the tool. Conclusion This study developed and validated an 11-item post-stroke checklist for screening older patients requiring follow-up care. The tool provides clinicians with a standardized method to initiate timely interventions, though future studies should assess its impact on long-term patient outcomes. Clinical Practice Relevance Clinical implementation demonstrated substantially improved identifying rates. Using the checklist enabled nurses to screen significantly more targeted older patients during follow-up than they did in the same period before its implementation (86% vs. 4.7%).
Objective To describe perioperative nursing management strategies and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing hybrid repair for complex Stanford type B aortic dissection. Methods This single-center retrospective descriptive observational study included 98 patients with acute Stanford type B aortic dissection who underwent hybrid supra-aortic branch bypass combined with thoracic endovascular aortic repair between January and December 2024. Standardized perioperative nursing protocols were implemented, focusing on hemodynamic stabilization, spinal cord ischemia prevention, contrast-induced acute kidney injury prevention, and postoperative monitoring. Clinical outcomes and perioperative complications were analyzed descriptively. Results Hybrid procedures were technically successful in all patients. The mean hospital stay was 19.58 ± 6.29 days. Ninety-six patients (98.0%) were discharged in stable condition. Spinal cord ischemia occurred in one patient (1.0%) and resolved after cerebrospinal fluid drainage and medical management. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury occurred in two patients (2.0%) and resolved with hydration therapy. No patients experienced stroke, permanent neurological deficit, or graft-related complications. Wound complications were minimal and successfully managed. Conclusion Hybrid repair for complex Stanford type B aortic dissection is a safe and effective treatment strategy when supported by structured perioperative nursing management. Standardized nursing protocols play a critical role in maintaining hemodynamic stability, preventing major complications, and promoting postoperative recovery.
Background Individuals with claudication have significantly reduced capacity for walking, which leads to worsening prognosis and decline in overall health status. Basic walking advice is usually provided to individuals with claudication during their routine clinic visits, which has very limited efficacy, resulting in little or no change in physical activity behaviour. Objective This study explored barriers and facilitators to physical activity (PA) in individuals with claudication, using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and the Socioecological Model (SEM) for behavioural diagnosis. Methods The study used a phenomenological design. A purposive sampling was used, and five individuals with claudication and three healthcare professionals participated in the study, out of a target sample size of 18 individuals. An online focus group/workshop was conducted, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded in NVivo 12 and analyzed thematically. A deductive approach was used to map themes to BCW and SEM frameworks. Results Intrapersonal barriers included comorbidities, walking-related pain, and psychological challenges; facilitators were motivation and goal setting. At the interpersonal level, lack of social support was a barrier, while peer support and social connection were facilitators. Organizational-level barriers included lack of guidance, limited access to supervised exercise programmes (SEPs), poor communication, financial challenges, and variability in healthcare access; facilitators included alternative exercise options and access to resources and education. Recommended interventions include enablement, environmental restructuring, persuasion, education, training, and modelling. Conclusions Barriers to PA in claudication are complex and multi-level. Addressing them requires system-wide strategies, including patient education, peer-supported and personalized programmes, standardized national guidance, expanded SEP access, and reducing geographic disparities in service provision. Social media abstract Barriers to physical activity in individuals with claudication are complex and multi-level. Addressing them requires system-wide strategies @GCU @UoS
Objective: To identify the risk factors that may lead to a higher incidence of Surgical Site Infection in patients undergoing vascular surgery reported in publications between 2018 and 2023Methodology: A systematic review was carried out using the following guiding question: “In patients undergoing vascular surgery, what risk factors can lead to a higher incidence of Surgical Site Infection?”. Data relevant to SSI in vascular procedures was selected. Four electronic databases were used: Virtual Health Library, PubMed Central, SciVerse Scopus, and EMBASE, with references published from 2018 to 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's RoB 2.0 tool for randomized clinical trials and JBI's “Checklist for cohort studies” for cohort studiesResults: Of the 322 articles found in the initial search, 20 studies were selected for analysis. The studies came from 9 different countries and analyzed data from 49,309 patients undergoing vascular surgery. The mean incidence of SSI calculated from all studies was 11.02%. Fifty-two distinct risk factors were identified and classified by personal history, preoperative period, comorbidities, intraoperative and postoperative periods, and laboratory testsConclusion: This systematic review identified several risk factors predisposing to SSI in vascular surgery, including diabetes and glycemic status; obesity; American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) index; and longer surgery time, which were some of the risk factors that led to a higher incidence of SSI. Of all the studies reviewed, none were conducted in the Global South.DESCRIPTORS: Vascular Surgery, Risk Factors, Surgical Site Infection, Postoperative Complications.
Background The time between the onset of stroke symptoms and implementation of treatment plays a crucial role in the prognosis, with 4.5 h being the gold standard for thrombolytic therapy in Poland during 2016-2018, when our study was conducted. Therefore, the delay in admission influences prognosis. This study aimed to examine if patients’ comorbidities, both previously diagnosed and previously unknown, affect their time of hospital arrival. Methods The study group of 161 patients post-stroke admitted to the hospital after 4.5 h or more was assessed for the presence of previously diagnosed and previously undetected comorbidities. In the control group, the retrospective analysis of files of 85 patients with the diagnosis of stroke who had been admitted in less than 4.5 h and had received thrombolytic treatment was performed. A statistical analysis was performed to explore the differences between groups. Results A statistically significant difference was shown in the prevalence of previously diagnosed hypertension (78.3% vs. 89.41%; p=.030) and atrial fibrillation (20.5% vs. 5.88%; p=.003), in the examined and the control group, respectively. In the study group, we also found more cases of newly diagnosed: hypercholesterolemia (14.9% vs. 14.1% in the control group), atrial fibrillation (12.4% vs. 10.6%), and hypertension (8.1% vs. 3.5%), but their prevalence did not differ significantly between the groups (p>.05 for all). Conclusions In patients after stroke, previously diagnosed hypertension and atrial fibrillation are the most prevalent comorbidities. Moreover, previously diagnosed hypertension is associated with earlier admission to the hospital, which may be related to higher health awareness in these patients.
Purpose This study examined whether health literacy of patients hospitalized with acute stroke is associated with physical activity and sedentary behavior three months after discharge. Methods A prospective cohort study of 61 patients was conducted. Health literacy was assessed using the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire, and physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured three months post-discharge using a triaxial accelerometer. Multiple linear regression analyses examined associations between health literacy and step count, sedentary behavior, light-intensity physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, walking speed, and modified Rankin Scale score. Results Health literacy was significantly associated with post-discharge step count (B = 93.07, p = 0.025) but not with sedentary behavior, light-intensity physical activity, or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Conclusions/Implications Health literacy at the acute stroke phase was associated with post-discharge step count. These findings emphasize the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, including nurses, to enhance health literacy from the acute care stage.
Introduction This case study explores the illness experience of a patient with lower leg ischaemia resulting from damage to the pelvic arteries by radiotherapy. It details comprehensive person-centred care involving an integrated plan from multiple specialities. The technical and non-technical skills to provide expert wound care are overviewed. Case Report A 51-year-old female was admitted for multiple revascularisations for radiation-induced peripheral artery disease (RIPAD). Despite multiple attempts at limb salvage, she eventually required a major amputation. She had multiple co-morbidities and difficult pain management. In addition to the breakdown of her stump, she developed a pressure injury during her long length of stay. Conclusion The reflections about this patient highlight that comprehensive care for complex wounds requires advanced technical and non-technical skills. A capable workforce with adequate time to coordinate and deliver care is essential.
This cross-sectional study conducted an online survey with healthcare providers and students and focus groups with patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to identify the information needs on PAD from the perspective of the three groups. Descriptive statistics were applied to closed-ended items in the survey, and open-ended responses were coded for analysis. Triangulation was conducted by comparing quantitative rankings with qualitative themes across the three participant groups to identify highlighting areas of agreement as well as distinct concerns patient education. Providers and students identified the following key topics as important for the understanding of patients: symptoms (84% of each group), complications (84% and 86%), risk factors (82% and 86%), treatments (78% and 83%), characteristics (72% and 77%), and definition of the disease (55% and 67%). Four themes emerged from the focus groups: understanding the disease, consequences and daily life impacts, treatment knowledge/uncertainty, and empowerment. These results may improve the strategies to address the information needs of patients with PAD, and future research should focus on the topics found.
Background With the rapid development of peripheral endovascular interventions, nursing plays a pivotal role throughout the treatment process. However, the structural composition, hotspots, and evolutionary trends of nursing research in this field have not yet been systematically summarized. Methods Relevant nursing literature on peripheral endovascular diseases was retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection. A bibliometric analysis was conducted, using Citespace software, covering keyword co-occurrence, clustering, and burst detection to identify major research themes and emerging frontier. Results The research shows two main trends: (1) Core topics focus on ischemic stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid endarterectomy, patient safety, and long-term follow-up.; (2) The literature highlights the critical roles of pre-procedural risk assessment, intra-procedural management, workflow optimization, standardized nursing interventions, and information-based follow-up in improving patient outcomes. Since 2019, “acute ischemic stroke” has become the most prominent emerging hotspot. The United States leads in research output (51.5%), with the Journal of Vascular Surgery being the most referenced source. Conclusion Nursing research in peripheral endovascular interventions is shifting from traditional postoperative management to comprehensive perioperative, technology-enhanced, and outcome-oriented models. Future studies should strengthen nurses’ roles in vascular access management, patient experience support, and digital health applications.
