Patient digital self-screening tool for familial hypercholesterolaemia: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Genetics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an inherited condition causing premature cardiovascular disease.
• Current general practitioner (GP) practices lack proactive FH screening.
• A digital self-screening questionnaire was developed for general practice settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a digital FH self-screening questionnaire in primary care.
• To assess the feasibility and patient engagement with digital FH screening.
• To explore the potential of digital tools in early detection of FH.

Main Methods:

• A digital FH screening questionnaire was administered via SMS to patients aged 18-60 years before their GP appointments.
• The questionnaire identified patients at risk for FH.
• Results were integrated into patients' electronic medical records.

Main Results:

• 1258 patients received the survey; 18.6% (234) interacted, and 137 completed the self-screening.
• Nine patients were identified as high risk for FH.
• Average self-screening time was 3.5 minutes, with positive patient feedback.

Conclusions:

• Digital FH self-screening is implementable in general practice.
• Refinements to the digital tool may enhance patient engagement.
• FH self-screening holds promise for improving FH detection rates and mitigating cardiovascular disease.