Having the patient assume an active role The responsibility for follow-up and co-operation must not rest only with the physician. In the long run, a true partnership is the key to successful CVD prevention. For this to occur, the clinician must abandon his traditional paternalistic role and seek to equip the patient with the resources that will enable him to assume an active role in his/her own care. The concepts of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk factors, treatment goals, life-style modification and pharmacological treatment, and how these relate to the patient, must be made as clear as possible.
The patient’s responsibility for attending long-term follow-up must be emphasized.
I suggest that at the end of each monitoring cycle, the patient receive a letter from his physician. For example:
Date D ear ________________ Cardiovascular disease, (CVD for short), is a disease of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, brain, limbs and other important organs. Among the different manifestation of CVD, the more familiar are chest pain, heart attack, and stroke.
The major risk factors for CVD have been identified, and it is now known that treating them prevents CVD to a considerable extent. Based on our conversation at the clinic and on the results of your physical examination and blood tests, you have been found to have the following risk factors for CVD: - A Documented Cardiovascular Disease
- Cigarette Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical Inactivity
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia
- A Family History Of Premature Coronary Artery Disease
As discussed, the treatment recommended for your specific risk-factor profile is at this time is:
CVD prevention is a continuing process, and orderly follow-up is essential. Successful prevention requires a joint effort. The responsibility for recommending the appropriate treatment lies with your doctor. The responsibility for adhering to medical recommendations and attending follow-up visits is yours. I recommend that you have the enclosed blood tests taken this coming (month/year) and schedule an appointment (# of days) after that. Until then, for all matters concerning your health, I am as always yours, Physicians’ signature |
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