Participant experiences of intervention to detect and manage familial hypercholesterolaemia in Australian general practice: A qualitative descriptive study

Background and objectives. General practitioners (GPs) are ideally placed to have a much larger role in detection and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) among their patients. The aim of this study was to seek the reflections of practice staff and newly diagnosed patients with FH on the implementation of an FH model of care in the general practice setting. Methods. Qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Interviews were conducted with 36 practice staff and 51 patients from 15 practices participating in the study. Results. Data were analysed thematically and coded into themes – efficacy of GP training, screening for FH, model of care, patient awareness and cascade testing. Discussion. Findings reflect the real-world clinical experience of Australian general practice and the acceptability of the model of care for both patients with FH and practice staff. Patient health literacy is a barrier to both management of FH and cascade testing. A systematic approach to cascade testing is required.