Framework for action for cardiovascular health care nurses: strategy for the development of the specialty in spain

Abstract Background/Introduction Scientific evidence indicates that cardiovascular nurses with specialized training contribute to reductions in cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality, shorten hospital length of stay, and decrease overall healthcare costs. Purpose To develop a Framework for Action for Cardiovascular Health Care Nurses as a strategic approach to advancing the specialty in Spain. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using a narrative literature review and expert consultation to develop the proposed Framework for Action. A focus group comprising expert nurses from all areas of cardiovascular health care, affiliated with the Spanish Association of Cardiology Nursing (AEEC), was convened in collaboration with nurses from the Spanish General Nursing Council (CGE). Through iterative discussions, the group analyzed core competencies, knowledge areas, and specialized skills that characterize nursing contributions to the improvement of cardiovascular health in the Spanish population. A structured work plan was established, including joint full-text reviews of successive document drafts with the CGE. In parallel, a narrative bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE, LILACS and Web of Science databases. The search strategy was developed using the DesCS/MeSH thesauri, and relevant keywords were selected to identify literature pertinent to cardiovascular nursing competencies and professional development. Results The expert focus group discussions, together with the narrative review of the literature and regulatory framework, resulted in the development of the Framework for Action for Nurses in Cardiovascular Health Care. The findings highlighted a broad consensus among experts regarding the need for a structured professional framework to guide nursing practice in cardiovascular care across the Spanish healthcare system. The resulting document integrates a comprehensive theoretical framework and provides a clear justification for the need for specialized training in cardiovascular nursing. Key domains identified include professional roles, core competencies, knowledge areas, and advanced skills required for nursing care of people with cardiovascular disease across different clinical settings, disease phases, and stages of the life course. The resulting document was subsequently approved by the Spanish General Nursing Council (CGE) as a reference framework for professional nursing practice nationwide. Conclusion The development of a Framework for Action for Cardiovascular Health Care Nurses provides a strategic foundation for advancing the specialty in Spain. By defining specialized competencies, knowledge areas, and professional roles, the framework supports the formal recognition of cardiovascular nursing within health systems and contributes to strengthening prevention strategies and nursing care across both acute and chronic phases of cardiovascular disease.