Effects of an evidence-based computerized virtual clinician on low-density lipoprotein and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults without cardiovascular disease: The Interactive Cholesterol Advisory Tool. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Block, Robert C; Abdolahi, Amir; Niemiec, Christopher P; Rigby, C Scott; Williams, Geoffrey C
• Is Part Of: Health informatics journal. Volume 22:Number 4(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 897
• Page End: 910
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: cardiovascular disease -- cardiovascular disease risk -- low-density lipoprotein cholesterol -- non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol -- virtual clinician; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1177/1460458215600040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1460-4582

Abstract

There is a lack of research on the use of electronic tools that guide patients toward reducing their cardiovascular disease risk. We conducted a 9-month clinical trial in which participants who were at low (n = 100) and moderate (n = 23) cardiovascular disease risk—based on the National Cholesterol Education Program III's 10-year risk estimator—were randomized to usual care or to usual care plus use of an Interactive Cholesterol Advisory Tool during the first 8 weeks of the study. In the moderate-risk category, an interaction between treatment condition and Framingham risk estimate on low-density lipoprotein and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed, such that participants in the virtual clinician treatment condition had a larger reduction in low-density lipoprotein and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as their Framingham risk estimate increased. Perceptions of the Interactive Cholesterol Advisory Tool were positive. Evidence-based information about cardiovascular disease risk and its management was accessible to participants without major technical challenges.