Introduction & module overview

This First Prescription CPD module focuses on developing a consultation with a patient who is being started on, has had a dose change or has been changed to a new medicine for lipid management.

Government policies have recognised the need to improve CVD outcomes, citing this as the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives, in addition to it being largely preventable through lifestyle changes and medications.

Lipid lowering medication is recommended for those patients:

• At increased risk of CVD but who do not have a CVD condition diagnosed (primary prevention)
• Already diagnosed with CVD (secondary prevention)
• With high cholesterol, including inherited forms of high cholesterol, who are at increased risk of premature CVD and/or already have established CVD.

The structure of this module is as follows:

• Pre-consultation: Covers potential concerns a patient may have and a reminder of key treatments
• Starting the consultation: Includes exploration of the patient’s existing knowledge
• Questions to ask during the consultation: Incorporates tips you can give to the patient
• Ending the consultation: Features useful prompts to check the patient’s understanding and signposting for related resources.