Scorecards to Support Cardiovascular Risk Measurement in Older Adults at an Outer Metropolitan Australian Service: A...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• HIV Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular risk factor measurement (CVRFM) is crucial for patients aged 40 and above, especially those receiving HIV care.
• Sexual health clinics managing HIV patients require effective strategies to monitor cardiovascular health.
• Implementing quality improvement initiatives can enhance patient care and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of scorecard implementation on CVRFM in adults (≥40 years) attending an HIV sexual health clinic.
• To assess changes in the frequency and completeness of cardiovascular risk factor measurements before, during, and after scorecard use.
• To determine the association between specific measurements and overall CVRFM completeness.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement study utilizing 1-page visual scorecards distributed quarterly to clinic staff.
• Data collection on CVRFM metrics from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023.
• Comparison of CVRFM rates in the year preceding and the year following scorecard implementation.

Main Results:

• The median number of yearly risk factor measurements increased from one to three post-scorecard implementation.
• Measurements for systolic blood pressure, cholesterol:HDL ratio, and glycated hemoglobin showed significant increases.
• Complete risk factor measurements (all four annually) rose from 11% to 36%.

Conclusions:

• Scorecards served as an effective quality improvement initiative, enhancing clinic processes for CVRFM.
• Further interventions, including shared care between sexual health clinics and general practitioners, are recommended to improve measurement and reduce cardiovascular risk.
• The study highlights the potential of targeted interventions in improving preventive care for vulnerable populations.