Nutrition and Coronary Heart Disease
The Interventions in More Detail
TheGPBased Intervention
Activities covered by this intervention are based on the evidence of effectiveness from a
number of studies which examined similar types of activities, as outlined above. The
studies are Campbell et al (1998), Tang et al (1998), TOHP Collaborative Research
Group (1992), Stamler et al (1989b), Baron et al (1990) and Ammerman et al (1992).
The GP based intervention can be broken up into four main components. First, there is
the GP recruitment stage where the SWSAHS actively encourages GPs in the area to
assist in the implementation of the program.
Second, the SWSAHS trains recruited GPs. The training program is designed to inform
GPs about the range of services available for their patients in the local area and about
the benefits of prevention, as well as to encourage GPs to refer high-risk patients to the
SWSAHS nutritional services.
Third, GPs assess whether a particular patient can be classified as high-risk. High-risk
patients are people who are obese, have high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or
lead a sedentary lifestyle. Screening in the simplest cases (obesity and sedentary
lifestyle and high blood pressure) will involve a few minutes of questions and answers,
in addition to a blood pressure reading. In the most complex case (high cholesterol) the
patient may need to undergo a blood screen test.
Finally, the intervention may consist of a mix of individual consultations in addition to a
patient’s referral to other community programs. The decision to refer the patient to
other community services should be based on the GP’s opinion, as well the patient’s
willingness to participate.
The community services referred to above consist of a range of options. These include
‘one on one’ consultations between patient and dietitian and/or GP, group nutrition
classes, exercise classes and education materials.
CHERE Project Report Il - November 1999
16