Our team have begun piloting an electronic reminder system in primary care to improve cardiometabolic screening for patients with serious mental illness.

Previous research has indicated that patients with serious mental illness die on average 10-15 years earlier than those without. This is primarily as a result of cardiovascular disease. This vulnerable group experience an increased risk of cardiovascular disease for multiple reasons including the use of antipscyhotics as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity. At present there are no recommendations or guidelines for general practice with regards to the screening of this population for metabolic syndrome.

This research will assess the feasibility of an electronic reminder system to screen patients with serious mental illness for cardiometabolic syndrome in general practice. Three practices in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region are participating in the trial. This research is being run through the Illawarra and Southern Practice Research Network, UOW. The lead investigator on this project is Dr Fiona Williams of Graduate Medicine, UOW and Thirroul Medical Practice. For any queries please contact Alyssa Horgan amunkman@uow.edu.au .