ANP-Led Lipid Optimisation: Longitudinal Observational Comparison.

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Evaluating an Advanced Nurse Practitioner-Led Lipid Optimisation Pathway in Primary Care: A Longitudinal Observational Comparison Study.

  • IRAS ID

    364826

  • Contact name

    Paramjit Kaur-Lal

  • Contact email

    Paramjit.Kaur-Lal@northampton.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Northampton

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 6 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    This six-month study compares two approaches to cholesterol management in primary care. One group will receive care from an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, who specialises in managing dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol). A second group will continue to receive their usual care. This research aims to determine whether the Advanced Nurse Practitioner-led service, is associated with improved Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol control compared to usual care.

    Who can take part?
    Adults aged 18 years, and over, with a Low-Density Lipoprotein blood cholesterol level of 1.8 mmol/L or higher, despite receiving lipid-lowering therapy for a minimum of 12 months. Participation is entirely voluntary, and individuals may withdraw up to the point of data analysis, without affecting their clinical care.

    What will happen?
    Data will be collected from participant’s medical records at three time points: baseline, three months, and six months. The Advanced Nurse Practitioner group will have three structured appointments with the Advanced Nurse Practitioner. The usual care group will continue to receive routine primary care, with data extracted from routine medical records. Clinical measurements will include Low-Density Lipoprotein, blood pressure, and BMI. Appointment attendance will be recorded.

    To improve treatment concordance, the Advanced Nurse Practitioner group will receive a structured intervention, that includes holistic cardiovascular risk assessment, lifestyle review, medication optimisation, and support for shared decision-making.

    Following the six-month study period, the usual care group will be offered access to the Advanced Nurse Practitioner service.

    How will information be protected?
    All data will be pseudonymised, so that individuals cannot be identified. Names and NHS numbers will be stored separately. The practice, and university will ensure data security in accordance with NHS information governance standards, the UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Patients in the Advance Nurse Practitioner group will be invited to complete an optional anonymous patient experience survey about the ANP-led clinic.

    How will the findings be disseminated?
    The study's findings will be shared with participants, and the practice. The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences to contribute to the evidence base practice for advanced nursing practice in cardiovascular disease management.

  • REC name

    South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    26/SC/0046

  • Date of REC Opinion

    30 Mar 2026

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion