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Secondary prevention in patients with cardiovascular disease

Associate Professor Catherine D'Este, Dr John Wiggers (HCHA), Dr Libby Campbell (HCHA), Dr Amanda Nagle (National Heart Foundation), Dr Ben Ewald, Alison Koschel (PhD student)

The aim of this study is to use the Hunter Area Heart and Stroke Register as a mechanism for delivery of an intervention to increase health promotion and secondary prevention in patients discharged from hospital with heart disease or stroke. A factorial design randomised controlled trial will be used to assess the individual effect of a GP intervention, a patient intervention and the combined effect of GP and patient interventions relative to a control group who receive standard register contact and GP management but no intervention. The intervention has been designed and trialed and it consists of automated reports based on responses from the baseline survey of secondary prevention activities and advice.

The effect of the intervention will be assessed by a questionnaire delivered 12 months post discharge and will include both pharmacological measures such as the use of aspirin, cholesterol lowering medication and blood pressure lowering medication and patient report of GP advice on, and behaviour for lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation, adequate physical activity and lowering fat intake. Validation of self report in some sub groups will be performed. The study has been funded by the NSW Department of Health. Data collection of baseline secondary prevention has commenced.