P5319Evidence-practice gaps in the screening and management of cardiovascular risk factors in the Australian General Practice population
Authors: Webster R , Hespe C , Campain A , Patel A , Peiris D 
Published: October 2019

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death and disability in Australia affecting 1 in 6 of the Australian population. Studies a decade ago showed large evidence-practice gaps in the screening and management of CVD risk in Australian General Practice. A new risk-based screening and management guideline was launched in 2012.

Purpose

This study aimed to update the evidence to evaluate appropriate screening for, and management of, cardiovascular risk factors in Australian General Practice and explore practice and patient level predictors for appropriate screening and management.

Methods

Cross-sectional de-identified data from GP electronic health records were extracted for patients >18 years having attended at least once in the last 6 months and 3 times in the last 2 years (i.e. active patients). Practice-level data were also collected manually. The statistical cohort included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 35+ years and all others 45+ years, or any individual classified as “high CVD risk” regardless of age. High risk was defined as having either established CVD, pre-defined clinically high risk conditions or a calculated 5-year risk >15% using a Framingham based risk calculator. Appropriate screening was defined as having recorded/updated all essential risk factors for measurement of CVD risk within recommended time frames. Appropriate management was defined as: ≥1 BP lowering drug and a statin for people at high risk without CVD and the addition of an antiplatelet or anticoagulant agent for people with established CVD.

Results

Data were available on 110686 patients from 98 General Practices of which 55% were female, 1.4% of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, 14% current or ex-smoker and 15% with Diabetes. Forty-nine percent had complete and up to date screening information. Twenty-six percent were classified as high risk of which 11% had established CVD. Fifty-one per cent of those with established CVD were on appropriate treatment, vs 38% of those at high risk but without CVD. A greater proportion of males received appropriate screening (51.5% vs 47.5%). Females were less likely to receive recommended therapy (44.2% vs 55.1%) for secondary prevention but more likely for primary prevention (42% vs 35.5%). For those on BP lowering therapy, only 37% of those with CVD were reaching their target BP compared to 54% of those at high risk without established disease. 56% of those with CVD on lipid lowering therapy were reaching their targets compared to 45% of those at high risk without CVD.

Conclusion

Despite availability of a national guideline, gaps remain large for the management of CVD in Australian General Practice. Female primary prevention patients appear to receive better screening and treatment than their male counterparts, but this is reversed when they have established disease. Analysis of patient and practice level predictors for these gaps is currently underway.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National Health and Medical Research Council