The Computer Program

This is a brief summary of how the program works.

The program is windows based and will run independently on any windows system

It is fully auto loading and can work on a network system

Can be integrated into existing clinical systems(dependant on cooperation of clinical supplier)

When you to wish to use the program you click on ICON with the mouse and the program will appear over your existing screen. You log on using the screen shown.(fig1)

Then to find an existing patient, enter details on Select patient screen (see below)

The integrated version enters details from the clinical system automatically.

When the patient is on the system you complete the analysis form by entering the risk factors

see (fig3)

The program calculates and displays the risk factors as you go along.

Using RISK program as educational tool.

The program is most effectively used when the analysis is performed with the patient watching the data entry. The patient sees which results entered cause the biggest effect on the thermometer and the visual colour changes. When you have entered all data you discuss the overall risk with the patients and plan with them which of their risk factors should be tackled, demonstrating the effect of each. You should find which risk factors are most likely to be improved and tackle those first as initial success in some areas will make it much easier to tackle other areas afterwards. Once you have agreed a plan with the patient, you should show the target you are asking the patient to address, and arrange a date for repeating the analysis to assess their success in reaching their target. If data was missing at the first analysis it may require a second consultation to complete the analysis, but partial data can still be used for educational purposes.

You will have noted two other features on the analysis screen.

First a treatment bar at the bottom. This is a % risk score using the Framingham(1) equation. This acts in the following ways.1: you set the % risk of an event in the next 4-10 years. At a risk greater than this the bar appears thus giving you a level at which you should consider lipid lowering therapy 2: It appears without a % if a history of MI Angina or stroke is entered, reminding you that in these patient lipid lowering therapy should be considered no matter what other factors are present.

Second is a button marked Decision assistant. This takes you to a series of help pages where your personal, practice or area treatment advice can be entered, so that it is always available when you are using the program, but is totally within your own control not imposed from outside. NB these help files can include any subject you care to enter. They are not limited to CHD.

When you have finished your analysis, you press the save & print button.

This moves you to the advice leaflets screen(Fig 4).

The computer recommends the advice leaflets to be printed for this patient. You can change the leaflets if you so desire. This screen also allows for selection of a printer. Usually however the program will have preselected your usual printer. The process is completed by pressing save and print. You can then hide the program or process another patient.

1. Anderson KM, Odell PM ,Wilson PWF, Kannel WB. Cardiovascular disease risk profiles. Am Heart J 1990;121:293-8

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