Congratulations to #TeamLUHFT who have been announced as finalists at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2022 for their work supporting patients with high risk of cardiovascular disease!
The multidisciplinary team (MDT), including a cardiologist, nurses, pharmacists, general practitioner and lipidologist, has been shortlisted for the Digital System and Process Development award for their innovative lipid care pathway project.
High risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is when patients are more likely to develop conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. It is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it can often largely be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.
The objective of the pathway has been to reduce patient harm resulting from sub-optimal management of cholesterol, which is known as lipid care. Working with Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust, they have been able to bring change in lipid management and improve the delivery of lipid care to patients through the introduction of digital technology and integrating secondary with primary care.
Dr Vinita Mishra, Clinical Director of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, said: “The project has introduced several innovative concepts. Basing it in the nurse-led cardiac rehabilitation (CR) service, supported by the artificial intelligence (AI) management advice tool, allows guideline-based therapy to be offered to most eligible patients with a structured follow up.
“The point of care lipid meter avoids extra visits to phlebotomy before attending the clinic. This improves patient experience as quick management decisions can then be made during their consultation. Patients are given lifestyle advice and information on their lipid targets, with a copy of their lipid passport which educates on this, empowering them in reducing their CVD risk. The lipid MDT can also provide expert input to the minority of patients that need this, and advice is further delivered and supported by a new lipid specialist pharmacist led clinic.”
Alongside high satisfaction being reported by patients, there has also been positive results for staff. There has been a reduction in admin time because of the new digital tools, and the project has further educated health care staff from different settings in lipid management.
The team will find out if they have won the award on 15 September 2022.