Aim
To determine general practitioners’ (GPs’) knowledge and practice regarding familial
hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in Western Australia.
Method
A structured questionnaire was anonymously completed by GPs. Information was sought
on awareness and knowledge of FH including, diagnosis, inheritance, prevalence, cardiovascular
risk, management practices and opinions on FH screening.
Results
191 GPs completed the survey, 62% were familiar with FH, 80% correctly defined FH
and 68% identified the typical lipid profile, but only 33% were aware of national
guidelines. There were knowledge deficits in prevalence, inheritance, and clinical
features of FH, with correct responses in 27%, 45% and 38%, respectively. Most (84%)
GPs considered themselves the most effective health professionals to detect FH, with
90% preferring laboratory interpretative commenting to highlight individuals at risk
of FH. GPs identified appropriate cholesterol lowering drugs as mono (95%) or combination
therapies (74%).
Conclusion
The majority of GPs considered they were the most effective health practitioners for
managing FH and preferred laboratory reports to alert them of possible FH. Although
GPs knowledge of cholesterol lowering therapies was good, their awareness of national
guidelines, hereditability, prevalence and diagnostic features of FH was suboptimal.
Implementing a community model of care for FH requires more extensive GP education.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 19, 2013
Accepted:
August 11,
2013
Received in revised form:
August 6,
2013
Received:
May 17,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
