Preventing cardiovascular disease in at-risk patients: Results of a pilot behavioural health programme in general practice

Background: The 'High-Risk Prevention Programme' (HRPP) involved a six-week health behaviour change programme based in general practices and aimed to address cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in disadvantaged Irish communities.

Objectives: This pilot study aimed to establish the HRPP's likely effectiveness and acceptability to inform the development of a future definitive trial.

Methods: The HRPP was conducted at six general practices in disadvantaged areas in the Ireland East region. Patients with high CVD risk were recruited by participating practices and were allocated to either a General Practice Nurse (GPN) or Health Promotion Professional (HPP) led programme focusing on positive health behavioural change. Baseline and 12-month follow-up data were collected to capture the HRPP's likely effectiveness in promoting health outcomes and health behavioural change.

Results: The HRPP programme was completed by 270 patients. Out of these 270 patients, 245 (90.74%) completed baseline assessments, and 176 (65.19%) completed follow-up assessments at 12 months. Baseline data indicated a high level of CVD risk among patients and follow-up demonstrated positive change in several areas, especially weight (-1.95 kg, $p$ < 0.001), BMI (-0.72, $p$ < 0.001), exercise during the last week ($p$<0.001), and consumption of healthy fats in the HPP group (+60%, $p$< 0.001).

Conclusion: The HRPP was a much-needed pilot intervention, and positive results were seen in both GPN and HPP arms, especially with regards to weight loss, exercise, and dietary improvements. Future definitive trials of the HRPP are likely to be effective and acceptable in terms of combatting these issues among high-risk patients.