Internet-based Cholesterol Assessment Trial - I-CAT

Aims

The primary aim of this trial is to determine if an online service (I-CAT) that provides automated, individually tailored advice about eligibility for cholesterol lowering treatment will affect a consumer's use of cholesterol lowering treatment.

The secondary aim of this trial is to see if it is possible to improve the cholesterol management of the friends or relatives of consumers who use the I-CAT service.

Methods

An interactive website has been designed to collect basic information about a user's cholesterol status and provide tailored advice about optimal management according to established national guidelines. The value of the website will be evaluated using a randomised controlled design.

Status/Results

The website went live in October 2004. Participants have been recruited by advertisements placed in newspapers, newsletters and pharmacies, email lists, GP practices, hospitals and through the media. The website closed to recruitment in early February, with a final recruitment number of 2313 participants.

Follow-up was completed in May and it is anticipated that the analysis of the results will be available in early 2007.

Institute Investigators

Project Manager

  • Nicola Lewis (until May 2005)
  • Ruth Webster (from May 2005)

Collaboration

Funding Agencies