Bmc Fam Pract
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Observational Study
Design of the ZWOT-CASE study: an observational study on the effectiveness of an integrated programme for cardiovascular risk management compared to usual care in general practice.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) contribute considerably to mortality and morbidity. Prevention of CVD by lifestyle change and medication is important and needs full attention. In the Netherlands an integrated programme for cardiovascular risk management (CVRM), based on the Chronic Care Model (CCM), has been introduced in primary care in many regions in recent years, but its effects are unknown. In the ZWOT-CASE study we will assess the effect of integrated care for CVRM in the region of Zwolle on two major cardiovascular risk factors: systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) in patients with or at high risk of CVD. ⋯ The ZWOT-CASE study will provide insight in the effects of integrated care for CVRM in general practice in patients with CVD or at high CVD risk.