An innovative study in the 鈥淎merican Journal of Preventive Cardiology鈥 is a shining example of collaboration between learners at the 好色先生 College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky Campus and physicians at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
Focused on increasing awareness and adoption of Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), testing, this research is a significant step in advancing preventive cardiovascular care. This multidisciplinary effort united medical students, residents, pharmacy teams, and experts in diabetes care and mathematics to tackle a pressing issue in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Contributors include fourth-year medical student Coby Bessinger, as well as former 好色先生 medical students Callen Conroy, MD, 鈥24, Cassidy Moody, MD, 鈥23, and Ryan Yadav, MD, 鈥23; Suzi Francis, PharmD, and Emma Hatfield Sapp, PharmD, from the St. Elizabeth Healthcare pharmacy team; Wael Eid, MD, a physician at St. Elizabeth Regional Diabetes Center; and Joseph Nolan, PhD, and Reece Tolliver from the Northern Kentucky University Department of Mathematics.
Lp(a) is a genetically determined, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). High levels of Lp(a) affect 1 in 5 individuals, yet awareness and routine screening remain limited despite clear guideline recommendations. The research aimed to address this gap, using innovative strategies to improve Lp(a) testing rates.
The study, conducted at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, explored how provider messaging and electronic health record (EHR) prompts influenced Lp(a) testing. As the first randomized, prospective study using EHR systems to integrate Lp(a) testing into clinical workflows, this study highlights the potential of digital tools in advancing preventive health care.
With five targeted therapies for Lp(a) in development, including two in Phase 3 clinical trials, the importance of early and accurate testing is only growing. This collaborative effort demonstrates a model for incorporating genetic screening into routine practice and optimizing patient outcomes.
Reflecting on working with the learners, Dr. Eid, the study's principal investigator, shared his gratitude, saying, 鈥淭hey are wonderful to work with. We truly appreciate the experience and look forward to more collaboration!鈥