Patient Perspectives on a Nurse-Led Personalised Cardiovascular Risk Intervention in Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study Within the VOLTAIRE Trial.

AIMS: To explore patient perspectives on the acceptability of a nurse-led personalised cardiovascular risk intervention in Type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN

A qualitative study nested within a randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

Two online focus groups (n = 5 per group) were conducted with adults who received personalised cardiovascular risk information through computed tomography coronary angiography or polygenic risk scores within a nurse-led intervention. A co-designed discussion guide explored risk understanding, views of the nurse-led consultation, emotional responses, behaviour change and feasibility. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

RESULTS

Five interrelated themes were identified: (1) making personalised risk tangible; (2) interpretation requires relationship; (3) channelling concern into action; (4) from insight to incremental agency; and (5) feasibility and system conditions for scale.

CONCLUSION

Among focus group participants who completed the intervention, the model was highly acceptable, with nurse-led translation of complex risk information supporting engagement and behaviour change.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: Cardiovascular nurse coaching may strengthen the clinical value of personalised risk tools by supporting understanding, emotional response and translation into achievable prevention goals.

IMPACT: This study addressed the limited understanding of how adults with Type 2 diabetes perceive personalised cardiovascular risk communication. It found that acceptability was dynamic and improved when nurse-led explanation and goal setting supported behavioural engagement, with implications for cardiovascular nurses and services implementing personalised prevention.

REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Participants contributed to study design through co-development of the focus group guide and informed interpretation of findings.

TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07091162).