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PHASES Project Introduction

Queensland Primary Health Networks are proud to announce the launch of a 5-year Preventing Heart Attacks and Stroke Events through Surveillance project aimed at significantly reducing the burden of heart and vascular disease across the State.

How is this project different? It will use a digital enabling tool, known as Primary Sense, which will work alongside the general practice team and support them to collaboratively and proactively identify, screen and manage patients at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). By leveraging advanced data analytics possible through data from Primary Sense, there will be a focus on high-risk populations and geographic areas where early screening and intervention would be most beneficial.

Why this project is a current health priority? Heart disease is a silent menace. Many Queenslanders carry risk of heart and vascular disease without any symptoms. The first symptom they may experience is a heart attack or stroke event. This investment in the health of Queenslanders promises to reduce the burden of heart and vascular disease across Queensland.

This investment comes at a critical time…. Queensland is a heart attack hotspot, with the second highest death rate from heart attacks in the country. Yet, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable with early intervention. By equipping GPs with digital tools such as Primary Sense, existing general practice screening activities are amplified, improving patient management and increasing opportunities to act before serious events occur. This initiative is not only about saving lives but also about reducing the strain on our public health system. By better managing cardiovascular risk within the primary care setting, we can help reduce hospital admissions and keep Queenslanders healthier for longer.
Headshot of Julie Sturgess
Julie Sturgess
Chief Executive, CCQ

About

SMARTER TOOLS FOR STRONGER HEARTS

PHASES is a statewide initiative to transform cardiovascular health in Queensland by empowering primary care to lead preventive, data-driven solutions. Learn more about how PHASES aims to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.

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Partners & Funders

QLD PHN

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

PHASES is being delivered by Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ)

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Funded by the Queensland Health Clinical Research Fellowship, the PHASES Linkage project connects general practice cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk data with hospitalisation and mortality data. This study aims to better understand how CVD risk impacts hospitalisation rates and assess the accuracy of the new CVD risk prediction equation in identifying high-risk individuals within Queensland’s population. 

The project will: 

  • Estimate the number of heart attacks and strokes that could be prevented with improved treatment for high CVD risk. 
  • Identify gaps in CVD prevention to inform future care strategies. 

Running in parallel with the PHASES project, PHASES Linkage highlights the power of data-driven insights to improve cardiovascular outcomes and reduce hospitalisations.