Program
Recognizing the risks to women for cardiovascular disease: A quality initiative in the Cardiac Imaging Program
May 25, 2024 from 10:40am MDT to 11:10am MDT
Recent studies have shown non-traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors to include some of the following: premature menopause, pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and autoimmune disease. Most Canadian women have at least one risk factor for CVD, yet there are still significant knowledge gaps about these risks. Recognizing this, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Cardiac Imaging nursing staff sought to develop an initiative to better assess CVD risk factors for female patients and to increase their awareness.
The nursing staff in collaboration with institutional experts on women's heart health developed a more comprehensive assessment tool for assessing female specific risk factors for patients undergoing a cardiac computerized tomography (CT). A resource tool was created for educating the patients and raising their awareness. A survey was also developed to assess the patients' satisfaction and confidence levels to discuss their specific risk factors with the primary care provider, after receiving the education from the nurse at cardiac CT.
The nursing staff also conducted a focus group with patients; the initiative was presented, and they were given the opportunity to provide qualitative feedback. Focus group data was analyzed, and two themes were interpreted: "Knowledge is power" and "Optimizing the questions". The nursing staff adapted the initiative from the focus group data and made edits to improve the nursing assessment of female patients, and survey following the CT. The nursing staff is now implementing the initiative with the goal of empowering female patients through education and better understanding of their cardiovascular health.
Speakers / Panelists
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Recognizing the risks to women for cardiovascular disease: A quality initiative in the Cardiac Imaging Program
May 25, 2024 from 10:40am MDT to 11:10am MDT -
Recognizing the risks to women for cardiovascular disease: A quality initiative in the Cardiac Imaging Program
May 25, 2024 from 10:40am MDT to 11:10am MDT -
Recognizing the risks to women for cardiovascular disease: A quality initiative in the Cardiac Imaging Program
May 25, 2024 from 10:40am MDT to 11:10am MDT
Christine Brewer
RN
Christine Brewer
Christine Brewer
RN
My name is Christine Brewer and I'm a registered nurse working at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa Ontario. The area I currently work in is the Cardiac Diagnostics where I assist with CT, TEE and PET. My background is Critical care. I started my career in North Carolina where I worked in the ICU straight out of Nursing school. After that I moved to work in the ER in Ottawa at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus where I stayed for over a decade. I decided I needed a change and moved to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. I enjoyed my time working there and the learning culture encouraged in the Heart Institute. Four years ago, I moved to my current position at the Heart Institute.
Vicki Skinner
RN
Vicki Skinner
Vicki Skinner
RN
I have 30 plus years of nursing experience. My background is obstetrics, vascular, cardiology and cardiac surgery. Currently I work at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Diagnostic Imaging Ct scan. I have no conflicts to disclose. Other than I am passionate about women's heart health.
Sandra Wong
RN
Sandra Wong
Sandra Wong
RN
I am currently working as a nurse educator for the Regional Program at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. My clinical experience is in cardiac and critical care. I have a passion for teaching and supporting staff development and improving patient care.