.jpeg)
Implementing evidence-based guidelines & shared decision making tools to improve CVD prevention
Dr Carissa Bonner, Institution: University of Sydney
Years funded: 2019-2022
We know that one of the best ways to reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke is to use a risk calculator, and consider both lifestyle changes and medication if you are at high risk. But GPs often have trouble accessing and explaining the results of risk calculators, resulting in many patients getting inaccurate information and advice about reducing their risk. This project provides GPs and patients with a new format for the Australian cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines, which aims to improve communication about CVD risk and its management.
The core intervention is a website linking: newly formatted guidelines (evidence summaries + practical information), GP training (example cases + audit and feedback) and patient communication tools (risk calculator + decision aid). Research has shown these strategies improve recommended medication prescribing, doctor-patient communication about the risks and benefits of medication, and patient understanding of their risk and lifestyle and medication management options. We have tested the intervention with over 200 GPs and patients, confirming high levels of satisfaction and interest in using it. However, in order to implement it and use it, GPs would like it to be linked to their medical software, and have highlighted the important role of practice nurses in CVD prevention activities.
This implementation study will therefore integrate the online resources with medical software and Heart Foundation programs to facilitate accurate risk assessments and referral of patients to risk reduction programs, including training for practice nurses. We will test whether these combined strategies improve:
- accurate CVD risk assessment (in line with Health Professional Ambassador Program aims),
- referral to lifestyle change programs (in line with My Health for Life program aims); and
- risk-appropriate medication prescribing (to high risk and not low risk patients, in line with national guidelines).
Health Professional Tools
Health Professional Tools
Health Professional Tools
Guidelines, publications and support for the health professional community....
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
If you're 45 and over, or 30 and over if you're of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you should book your Heart Health Check today...
Heart Week 2022
Heart Week 2022
Heart Week 2022
With one Australian having a heart attack or stroke every 4 minutes, you have the power to change this statistic. ...
Together, we can change the future of heart disease
Together, we can change the future of heart disease
Together, we can change the future of heart disease
The power of your ongoing support can help save lives and keep more families together. Help us continue to fund promising heart research projects by donating today. ...
Snack recipes
Snack recipes
Snack recipes
Search for healthy snack ideas...
Seafood recipes
Seafood recipes
Seafood recipes
Find heart healthy seafood recipes...
Coronary Angiogram Test
Coronary Angiogram Test
This is a common test done to find out angina symptoms, or during or after a heart attack. ...
Apricot & pecan muffin bars
Apricot & pecan muffin bars
Apricot & pecan muffin bars
Getting active at school
Getting active at school
Getting active at school
Physical activity resources for school staff....
Heart-healthy baking spices up Christmas as keen Aussies celebrate post-lockdowns
Heart-healthy baking spices up Christmas as keen Aussies celebrate post-lockdowns
Heart-healthy baking spices up Christmas as keen Aussies celebrate post-lockdowns
Media release - 24 November 2021...
Taking your heart medicines
Taking your heart medicines
Taking your heart medicines
Know what your heart medicines are for and how to take them. ...
Heart Healthy Dinner Plan
Heart Healthy Dinner Plan
Heart Healthy Dinner Plan
Sign up now and discover delicious, easy to follow dinner recipes. Plus shopping lists, tips and other helpful information to make healthy eating easy. ...
Cardiovascular Screening in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Cardiovascular Screening in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Dr Sean Tan, Institution: Monash University...
Smoking and your heart
Smoking and your heart
Smoking and your heart
Understand how smoking can impact your heart health. ...
Our research stories
Our research stories
Our research stories
We fund amazing researchers who have important stories to tell...
Dessert recipes
Dessert recipes
Dessert recipes
Find heart healthy dessert recipes....
Beef Burgers
Beef Burgers
Beef Burgers
Improving heart health of Indigenous Australian families – ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids – Indigenous’
Improving heart health of Indigenous Australian families – ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids – Indigenous’
Improving heart health of Indigenous Australian families – ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids – Indigenous’
Professor Philip Morgan, Institution: The University of Newcastle...
Ultrasound therapy to promote blood flow and save heart muscle during heart attack: A Pilot Study
Ultrasound therapy to promote blood flow and save heart muscle during heart attack: A Pilot Study
Professor Kazuaki Negishi, Institution: University of Sydney...
Absolute CVD risk assessment resources
Absolute CVD risk assessment resources
Resources and clinical information for health professionals...
Physical activity and your heart health
Physical activity and your heart health
Physical activity and your heart health
Physical activity and exercise can benefit your heart, body and mind....
You’re probably not eating enough fish – here’s what you should do.
You’re probably not eating enough fish – here’s what you should do.
You’re probably not eating enough fish – here’s what you should do.
Fish and seafood is one of the most beneficial sources of omega 3. Incorporating more of it into your eating pattern can significantly lower your chances of heart disease and stroke. ...
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) clinical resources
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) clinical resources
Resources and clinical information for health professionals...
Heart Safe Community
Heart Safe Community
Heart Safe Community
Heart Safe Community is a program that aims to increase a person’s chance of survival if they suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital. ...
Celebrate the life of someone you love by giving to the Heart Foundation in their memory
Celebrate the life of someone you love by giving to the Heart Foundation in their memory
Celebrate the life of someone you love by giving to the Heart Foundation in their memory
Exercises to do at home
Exercises to do at home
Exercises to do at home
All you need to know about keeping active during COVID-19....
Is salt bad for your heart?
Is salt bad for your heart?
Is salt bad for your heart?
Most Australians are eating more than the recommended amounts and this can cause health problems....
Cardiac Rehabilitation for Health Professionals - Patient Resources
Cardiac Rehabilitation for Health Professionals - Patient Resources
Beef recipes
Beef recipes
Beef recipes
Find heart healthy beef recipes....