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Physician awareness of elevated cholesterol.
M B Clearfied1, S Fedorko, M E McKinney
1Department of Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Forth Worth 76107-2690.
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Physician awareness of high cholesterol levels was initially low, but significantly improved after a targeted educational program. This highlights the impact of continuing medical education on improving patient care for heart disease risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Education
- Public Health
Background:
- Elevated cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease.
- Physician awareness of hypercholesterolemia is crucial for timely intervention.
- Previous studies indicated a gap in physician recognition of abnormal cholesterol levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physician awareness of elevated cholesterol levels at a community hospital.
- To evaluate the impact of a cholesterol education program on physician awareness.
- To identify factors associated with physician recognition of hypercholesterolemia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart reviews were conducted in March 1986 and March 1988 to assess physician awareness.
- Awareness was defined as chart notation or therapeutic intervention for cholesterol levels > 240 mg/dL.
- A 1-hour educational lecture was delivered, followed by post-intervention chart reviews and a 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Initial physician awareness was low at 20% in 1986, with no improvement by 1988 despite updated lab ranges.
- Following the educational program, awareness increased to 51.6% and remained at 48.3% at 6-month follow-up.
- Awareness was associated with atherosclerotic vascular disease diagnosis and hypercholesterolemia severity, but not patient demographics or secondary conditions.
Conclusions:
- Physician awareness of elevated cholesterol was inadequate prior to targeted education.
- A focused continuing medical education program significantly improved physician awareness and recognition of hypercholesterolemia.
- Educational interventions are effective in enhancing physician practice regarding cardiovascular risk factors.