Improved Cardiovascular Disease hEALth Service Delivery in Australia: Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (IDEAL Study)

The IDEAL study is a randomized controlled trial among people referred to pathology services to have blood cholesterol measured. Study participants will have cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking status) measured within an assessment station at pathology services. A report on cardiovascular risk, in addition to blood cholesterol results, will be sent to the referring doctor along with recommended treatment strategies among those participants randomized to intervention. For control participants, the usual care process will be provided in which only blood cholesterol results will be sent to the referring doctor. The new intervention is expected to lead to better identification and treatment of people at high risk for cardiovascular disease events.