Strengthening Primary Health through Task Shifting: Nurses as Catalysts in NCD Prevention – A Narrative Review

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising sharply in India, placing increasing pressure on primary healthcare systems already facing critical workforce shortages. Task shifting - delegating selected responsibilities from physicians to nurses—has emerged as a promising, scalable strategy.

To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led task shifting in the prevention and management of NCDs within Indian primary care settings.

Guided by the PICOT framework, this narrative review examined studies involving adults with or at risk of NCDs in primary care. Nurse-led interventions (screening, counseling, follow-up) were compared with physician-led or usual care. Outcomes assessed included NCD detection, clinical parameters, and treatment adherence. Studies published between 2018 and 2023 with intervention duration ≥6 months were included. A total of 20 studies were synthesized using PRISMA guidelines.

Nurse-led care models demonstrated improvements in early NCD detection, risk factor control, and treatment adherence. However, implementation was hindered by regulatory restrictions, inadequate training, and limited resources.

Task shifting to nurses strengthens NCD prevention and management in India. Expanding these models requires supportive policies, structured training programs, and enhanced primary care infrastructure.