Increase the number of absolute cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
About this activity
On average, cardiovascular disease (CVD) events such as heart attacks and strokes occur 10 to 20 years earlier in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than in the non-Indigenous population.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people without existing CVD should undergo a CVD risk factor screening from the age of 18 and undergo an absolute CVD risk assessment from 30.
Patient modifiable risk factors include smoking status, blood pressure, serum lipids, waist circumference and BMI, nutrition, physical activity and alcohol intake. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, family history of premature CVD, and ongoing impacts of colonisation including racism, lower socioeconomic status and mistrust in government agencies including health services.
Related conditions include diabetes, chronic kidney disease, familial hypercholesterolemia and evidence of atrial fibrillation.
This quality improvement activity will help your practice increase the number of absolute CVD risk assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
- Identify team members who can undertake absolute CVD risk assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
- Incorporate absolute CVD risk assessments in 715 health assessments.
- Recalls and reminders for patients eligible for an absolute CVD risk assessment.
Download the QI template below for more improvement ideas.
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