Integrated Care Process and Pharmacological Prescription for Patients With Hypercholesterolemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia at High or Very High Cardiovascular Risk in Catalonia

OBJECTIVES: To frame the Integrated Care Process for high-risk hypercholesterolemia patients in Catalonia, identifying opportunities for innovation and alignment with international guidelines, and to achieve consensus on actions to improve the care process.

METHODS: An observational descriptive study was developed focusing on patients diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia (familial or non-familial) or mixed dyslipidemia at high cardiovascular risk. Two committees were established: the Editorial Committee, (literature searches, material development, data analysis, and meeting organizations; and the Scientific Committee, consisting of multidisciplinary experts to reflect usual care and agree on improvements. The project encompassed four phases: identifying updated recommendations, designing the Integrated Care Process, conducting a cross-SWOT analysis, and reaching consensus on actions to enhance the integrated patient pathway (care and pharmacotherapy) for high-risk patients after cardiovascular event in Catalonia.

RESULTS: Five master strategies were defined to improve the care process: involving patients and associations in improving the quality of care, improving coordination between healthcare levels, promoting cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs, taking advantage of new technologies, and updating and standardizing healthcare protocols. Each master guideline included five prioritized strategies according to impact, relevance, application and timeframe.

CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the strategies would standardize management practices for hypercholesterolemia patients with high cardiovascular risk, thus improving the integrated care process and health outcomes.