Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/59405
Title: HealthyRHearts - reducing cholesterol in rural adults via telehealth-based medical nutrition therapy: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Contributor(s): Schumacher, Tracy L (author); Herbert, Jaimee (author); May, Jennifer  (author); Ramanathan, Shanthi (author); Brown, Leanne J (author); Guppy, Michelle  (author)orcid ; Williams, Annabelle (author); Rollo, Megan E (author); Attia, John (author); Collins, Clare E (author)
Publication Date: 2023
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03306-8
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/59405
Abstract: 

Background Few randomised controlled trials specifically focus on prevention in rural populations. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) contributes to approximately one quarter of deaths in Australia. Nutrition is a key component affecting many risk factors associated with CVD, including hypercholesterolaemia. However, access to medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is limited for people living in rural areas, potentially exacerbating inequities related to health outcomes. Telehealth services present an opportunity to improve MNT access and address healthcare disparities for rural populations. The present study aims to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of a telehealth MNT CVD intervention program in lowering CVD risk over 12-months in regional and rural primary health care settings.

Methods/design A cluster randomised controlled trial set in rural and regional general practices in NSW, Australia, and their consenting patients (n=300 participants). Practices will be randomised to either control (usual care from their General Practitioner (GP)+low level individualised dietetic feedback) or intervention groups (usual care from their GP+low level individualised dietetic feedback+telehealth MNT intervention). Telehealth consultations will be delivered by an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), with each intervention participant scheduled to receive five consultations over a 6-month period. System-generated generic personalised nutrition feedback reports are provided based on completion of the Australian Eating Survey – Heart version (AES-Heart), a food frequency questionnaire. Eligible participants must be assessed by their GP as at moderate (≥10%) to high (>15%) risk of a CVD event within the next five years using the CVD Check calculator and reside in a regional or rural area within the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) to be eligible for inclusion. Outcome measures are assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is reduction in total serum cholesterol. Evaluation of the intervention feasibility, acceptability and cost-effective will incorporate quantitative, economic and qualitative methodologies.

Discussion Research outcomes will provide knowledge on effectiveness of MNT provision in reducing serum cholesterol, and feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of delivering MNT via telehealth to address CVD risk in rural regions. Results will inform translation to health policy and practice for improving access to clinical care in rural Australia.

Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, v.23, p. 1-10
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd
Place of Publication: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1472-6823
1471-2261
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 3202 Clinical sciences
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Rural Medicine

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