Hyperlipidaemia: a pilot of a multidisciplinary intervention in general practice

Background and aim: Hyperlipidaemia is a major health concern, and general practitioners have a pivotal role in its management. This pilot study aimed to deliver an efficacious, truly multidisciplinary, hyperlipidaemia management package involving optimal genreal practice medical care together with dietician and nurse educator input. Methods: Subjects identified as having elevated cholesterol levels in a previous study together with their general practitioners (GPs) were recruited. The subjects received an intervention comprising dietician assessment and advice; and nurse-delivered exercise education. Their GPs participated in a workshop on hyperlipidaemia management and cardiovascular risk stratification. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed. Other outcome measures were serum cholesterol, other cardiovascular risk factors and dietary parameters, as well as GP knowledge and practice. Result: The intervention was acceptable to subjects. There were significant reductions in serum cholesterol levels and cigarette consumption. There was a non-significant trend for subjects to be doing more moderate-level or vigorous exercise. There were no changes in blood pressure, BMI or waist-to-hip ratio. There were favorable changes, though mainly non-significant, in dietary intake. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study were encouraging and the intervention is suitable