Abstract
Nurses are increasingly being involved in initiatives to improve the co-ordination, delivery and eventual outcomes of health care. Key components of these initiatives include application of evidence-based treatments, ensuring individualised follow-up and the provision of "seamless" care overall. There is evidence in key areas that nurse-led interventions for patients with heart disease are effective, and that they are likely to work in other areas if properly supported and appropriate structures and systems are put in place to promote such practice. Given the promising results to date, it would be disappointing if these issues remain unresolved and the potential value of this type of interventions unfulfilled.