Listening to patients to improve cardiovascular disease prevention

UCLPartners worked with patients and carers to understand how people at higher risk of cardiovascular disease can be better supported in primary care.

Understanding patient experiences

In March 2020, UCLPartners held a patient and public involvement event with around 30 people living with high-risk cardiovascular disease (CVD) conditions, alongside carers from across the UCLPartners region.

The event explored how people with high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and high cholesterol could be better identified, supported and treated in primary care.

What people told us

Participants shared clear messages about what matters most to them: accessible information, trusted relationships with clinicians, care that recognises the whole person, and practical support to manage their health day to day.

Many people said they wanted more consistent information about their condition, treatment options, medication side effects and lifestyle changes, in formats they could understand and return to in their own time. They also highlighted the importance of continuity of care, open conversations about concerns, and healthcare professionals who understand their experiences and priorities.

Supporting people to manage their health

The feedback showed that effective CVD prevention depends on more than clinical interventions. It requires clear communication, personalised support and stronger partnerships between patients and care teams. Participants were willing to take an active role in managing their health when given the right tools, advice and confidence to do so, including access to self-monitoring, home testing, health coaching and reliable guidance on risk reduction.

Read the full report

Read the full report to learn more about the feedback from the event and the planned next steps.