Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease in General Practice (SPHERE), 2003 - 2008

The aim of the study is to design, implement and test an intervention to improve the process of care and objective clinical outcomes for patients with established coronary heart disease in primary care in Ireland. This project was funded by a five-year Health Research Board programme grant. Number of patients: 903 Data collection period The study began in 2003 and ended in 2008 – intervention lasted for eighteen months. Key variables Primary outcomes include: Blood pressure; Total cholesterol; Physical and mental status as measured by the SF-12; Hospital re-admissions. Secondary outcomes include: Measure of the process of care: Health service usage; Recording of risk factors in GP records; Body Mass Index/Waist-Hip Ratio; Exercise >15mins 3 times per week (current or planned); Smoking status; Diet: portions of fresh fruit and vegetables; Adherence to medication (Medication Adherence Report Scale MARS-5). Other variable types Cardiovascular medication prescribing; Cardiovascular history; Multi-morbidities; Family history premature cardiovascular mortality; Spending on behaviours influencing cardiovascular risk factors.