256 Addressing the Underdiagnosis of Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common disorder that is vastly underdiagnosed and causes an increased risk for sudden cardiac death. Cardiology providers (CHCPs) are in an ideal position to care for patients with FH. This research aimed to understand the practice behaviors of CHCPs in the screening, diagnosis, and management of FH. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: An explanatory mixed methods design was utilized for this study. Adaptation of an existing FH knowledge tool guided survey development. The results of the quantitative survey, along with the Knowledge to Action framework and Theory of Planned Behavior, guided development of the interview protocol. Convenience and snowball sampling recruited CHCPs in the Division of Cardiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on survey data. Qualitative interviews were conducted with survey respondents who volunteered to participate. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. A descriptive review of the educational materials offered by the Division of Cardiology was conducted to identify FH knowledge domains presented. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: CHCPs with MDs, at CUIMC for 6-10 years, in clinical practice for 1-5 years, and in Inpatient Services had the highest average total FH knowledge scores. CHCPs with RNs, at CUIMC for less than 1 year, in clinical practice for 6-10 years, and in Cath Lab had the lowest average FH knowledge scores. Twenty interviews were completed, and four themes emerged- variability in FH care; issues related to addressing FH at institutional, practice setting and individual levels; importance of identifying FH early; and intervention approaches to overcome barriers to caring for FH patients in cardiology. CHCPs with MDs or with experiential FH knowledge were the only CHCPs to describe FH care beyond the point of screening. The document review revealed that only MDs were provided four lectures over the course of 4 years pertaining to FH. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: CHCPs with didactic or experiential FH knowledge provided care beyond screening. Future interventions should increase didactic and experiential FH knowledge by incorporating institutional, local, and national FH resources. Improving the FH care CHCPs provide, can reduce FH-related morbidity and mortality as well as improve FH health outcomes.