SCORE! Non-Physician Health Worker (NPHW) Implementation Protocol (SIP)
This study, called SCORE!, is looking for people who are already part of the main SCORE! Cohort study and have health problems like high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, or problems with their blood sugar. The aim is to help these individuals improve their health. We'll be using special health workers, who aren't doctors but have health science training, to provide support and advice. These health workers will be guided by a doctor and will keep in close contact with participants for 12 months, through online and in-person check-ups. The goal is to help people manage their conditions better and improve their overall heart health by offering practical guidance and connecting them with their family doctor if needed.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is part of a larger project called the SCORE! Cohort study. We're interested in helping people who are already taking part in that study and have certain health concerns. These concerns include high blood pressure (hypertension), issues with blood sugar (which can be a sign of diabetes), and unhealthy levels of fats in the blood (dyslipidemia), which can all increase the risk of heart problems.
The main idea is to provide extra support to help people manage these conditions and improve their heart health. We'll be doing this using specially trained individuals called Non-Physician Health Workers. These aren't medical doctors, but they have a background in health and will be working closely with a medical doctor. Their role is to provide guidance on healthy living, check in with participants regularly, and help them connect with their family doctor for any necessary medical treatments.
The study will last for 12 months and involves a mix of online and in-person appointments to keep track of your progress. The main aim is to see if this kind of support can help improve important health markers like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, ultimately boosting your heart health.
Key takeaways
- This study helps people manage high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
- You'll get support from a trained health worker, not a doctor, for 12 months.
- The health worker will guide you on healthy living and link with your family doctor.
- Involves five check-ups over a year, both online and in person.
- Aims to improve your overall heart health.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw anytime.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you must already be an adult (18 years or older) enrolled in the main SCORE! Cohort study and have received information about your heart health risk score.
We are looking for people who have certain health markers that are not currently well-controlled. This includes a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, or unhealthy levels of certain fats in your blood (non-HDL cholesterol above 2.66 mmol/L). You would also be considered if your blood sugar levels are high – either a random blood sugar test showing 11.1 mmol/L or more, or a specific blood test called HbA1c at 6.5% or higher.
However, there are some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you're already in another study, have a known history of heart attacks or strokes, have serious health problems that might limit your life expectancy to less than a year, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next 12 months, or have any other major issues that would make it hard to take part fully.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you already part of the SCORE! Cohort study?
- Have you been told you have high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher)?
- Do you have unhealthy fat levels in your blood (non-HDL cholesterol above 2.66 mmol/L)?
- Are your blood sugar levels high (random blood sugar of 11.1 mmol/L or more, or HbA1c at 6.5% or higher)?
- Are you not currently pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the next year?
What does participation involve?
If you are invited to join and agree to participate, a Non-Physician Health Worker (NPHW) will support you. They will follow a specific plan to help you improve your health. Over the 12-month study period, you will have five appointments with your NPHW. These check-ups will happen both online and in person. During these visits, the NPHW will provide advice on healthy lifestyle choices and monitor your progress. They will also communicate with your medical doctor to ensure you receive any necessary medication guidance. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be 12 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- McMaster UniversityVerified postcodeHamilton, Canada
Common questions
What is a 'Non-Physician Health Worker'?
This is a trained health professional who isn't a medical doctor but has a background in health sciences. They will work under the guidance of a doctor to support you.
How long will I be in the study?
Your participation in the study will last for 12 months.
What kind of visits will I have?
You will have a total of five visits over 12 months, which will include both online and in-person check-ups.
Will I get new medication from this study?
The study itself doesn't provide medication. The health worker will help connect you with your family doctor if they think medication changes are needed.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your regular medical care.
How to find out more
Sonia Anand, PhD, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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