Feasibility of a behavioural health pilot project in general practice for patients with high cardiovascular disease risk: A qualitative study

<ns3:p>Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and disproportionately affects individuals from low socioeconomic (LSE) areas. Self-management interventions in general practice targeted towards people from LSE areas may positively impact patients’ health. The High Risk Prevention Programme (HRPP), developed by the Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), the Irish Heart Foundation and the University College Dublin School of Medicine is a behavioural self-management intervention promoting positive lifestyle changes for patients with high CVD risk. Six general practices from LSE areas in Ireland delivered the intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the HRPP by employing qualitative methods to investigate the experiences of participating patients and healthcare staff. Methods Twenty-eight participants (18 patients and 10 healthcare staff) were interviewed. The intervention’s feasibility was assessed according to Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach. Results Four key themes were identified among patients: (1) motivation to change health behaviours, (2) practical benefits for patients, (3) challenges experiences by patients, (4) lifestyle management and healthcare supports. Four themes were also identified among healthcare staff: (1) positive experience of the programme and its benefits, (2) logistical challenges, (3) patient engagement, (4) programme management. Conclusion The HRPP showed high levels of acceptability and feasibility. Future studies should assess this intervention’s likely effectiveness and consider scaling-up the intervention by including younger patients and by think of ways how to better manage the workload of healthcare staff responsible for delivering the intervention. The HRPP could be incorporated into the HSE’s nationwide ‘Chronic Disease Management Programme’.</ns3:p>