The ACNAP Core Curriculum was known to 53% of surveyed cardiovascular nurses and allied professionals, with 35% considering it very relevant and 38% rating its quality as excellent.
Cross-Sectional (n=298)
Yes
While the ACNAP Core Curriculum is perceived as highly relevant, awareness and utilization remain limited, highlighting a need for targeted dissemination and translation.
Abstract Introduction The Core Curriculum (CC) for Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Professionals (NAPs) outlines essential knowledge and competencies for cardiovascular care. However, the level of awareness and familiarity with the CC among professionals remains unclear. Understanding this is crucial to identify educational gaps, guide dissemination, and support future training strategies to ensure consistent, high-quality care. Purpose This study aimed to assess awareness and perspectives of the CC among professionals involved in cardiovascular care. Methods An online survey was conducted by the ACNAP National Societies Committee, targeting nurses and allied professionals in cardiovascular care. The questionnaire collected demographic data and assessed awareness, familiarity, and perceived relevance of the CC. Participants were also invited to comment on barriers to using the Curriculum and suggest improvements for its dissemination. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. Results A total of 298 participants completed the survey from 60 different countries, representing all continents of the world. The majority of the answers were from nurses, representing 65% of the sample, followed by allied professionals with 18%. Participants have a mean of more than 15 years of experience in the cardiovascular field, mainly in a Hospital setting. Around 53% already were aware of the CC, mostly due to the ESC/ACNAP website. 23% read part of it and 20% have stated to have read all of it. Participants consider the CC very relevant (35%), having used it mainly for professional development (45%) and for teaching and mentoring (40%), with 38% considering the quality of the document as Excellent. The main barrier for not having used the CC is stated to be the lack of awareness (30%) and due to time constrains (28%). The CC. was considered for 73% of the participants as a way for support of the career development, especially for professional competencies (66%) and as support for role development (54%). Awareness and knowledge varied according to professional role and years of experience. Many suggestions were made due to the ways ACNAP could improve the awareness of the CC and changes to be considered in future versions. The most frequently proposed recommendations focused on translating the document into additional languages, disseminating it through national scientific societies, and developing training courses to support its effective implementation. Conclusions Although The CC for Cardiovascular NAPs is perceived as highly relevant and of excellent quality, awareness and utilisation remain limited. Targeted dissemination, educational initiatives, and broader accessibility are required to maximise its impact on professional development and cardiovascular nursing and allied professionals practice worldwide.
Delgado et al. (Wed,) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular care professionals (n=298). ACNAP Core Curriculum was evaluated on Awareness of the Core Curriculum. The ACNAP Core Curriculum was known to 53% of surveyed cardiovascular nurses and allied professionals, with 35% considering it very relevant and 38% rating its quality as excellent.