Innovative QRISK Process to Reduce GP Workload
- Mohammed A Rashad
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
GPs across the UK are facing mounting pressure, with clinical demands and administrative tasks often stretching the working day to its limits. Yet, when it comes to cardiovascular risk management, the traditional approach can feel like a never-ending cycle of phone calls, paperwork, and missed opportunities for meaningful patient engagement.
Recent data shows that over 7 million people in England are eligible for statin therapy, but many never start the conversation. What if there was a way to transform this process, making it faster, safer, and more empowering for both patients and practice teams? Our innovative QRISK workflow is already helping GP practices reclaim valuable time, streamline statin initiation, and deliver a more personalised experience for every patient at risk.
Key Takeaways:
The Medicines Management Team’s QRISK workflow reduces GP workload by automating patient engagement and statin initiation.
Patients receive clear, personalised information and can respond directly, improving decision-making.
Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists can safely deliver the process under robust protocols.
Practices benefit from faster, more efficient QOF achievement and better patient outcomes.
The system is easy to implement, fully supported, and customisable for individual practice needs.
What is QRISK
QRISK is a widely used cardiovascular risk assessment tool in the NHS, designed to estimate a patient’s risk of developing heart disease or stroke over the next ten years. For GPs and practice teams, QRISK is central to identifying those who would benefit most from preventative interventions, such as statin therapy. A QRISK score above 10% signals a significant risk, making timely intervention crucial for long-term health outcomes.
However, the journey from risk identification to patient action is often fraught with challenges. Many patients are unaware of their risk, unsure about the benefits of statins, or hesitant to engage in lengthy consultations. This gap between risk assessment and effective intervention can lead to missed opportunities for prevention and increased pressure on already stretched GP resources.
Traditional QRISK Management: The Burden on GP Practices
Historically, managing patients with elevated QRISK scores has required a series of steps that are both time-consuming and resource-intensive. The typical process involves:
Identifying eligible patients through clinical systems.
Scheduling and conducting a 15-minute telephone or face-to-face consultation.
Explaining QRISK, discussing the pros and cons of statin therapy, and addressing patient concerns.
Documenting the outcome and arranging follow-up as needed.
While thorough, this approach places a significant burden on GPs and practice staff. With increasing demand for appointments and limited clinical capacity, practices often struggle to keep up, leading to delays in care and reduced patient satisfaction.
The The Medicines Management Team Innovative QRISK Workflow
The Medicines Management Team have developed a streamlined QRISK workflow that leverages automation and pharmacy expertise to transform the patient journey. Here’s how it works:
1. Automated Patient Messaging
Eligible patients with a QRISK score above 10% are identified through practice systems. Instead of booking a traditional consultation, these patients receive a personalised, automated message via trusted platforms such as Accurx or PATCHS. The message includes:
A clear explanation of what QRISK means and why it matters.
Information on the benefits and safety of statin therapy.
A short, engaging video that demystifies statins and addresses common concerns.
2. Simple, Direct Patient Responses
Patients are empowered to take control of their health by replying directly to the message with one of three options:
Yes – to start a statin prescription.
No – to decline the offer.
Questions – to request further advice or clarification.
This approach removes barriers to engagement, allowing patients to make informed decisions at their own pace, without the pressure of a scheduled call.
3. Rapid Clinical Review
Responses are reviewed by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, following robust clinical protocols. For patients who consent, statin prescriptions can be initiated promptly. Those with questions receive tailored advice, and any complex cases can be escalated to a GP as needed.
Benefits for GP Practices and Patients
The advantages of this innovative workflow are clear and measurable:
For GP Practices
Significant Time Savings: The process reduces the average workload per patient from 15 minutes to just 5–10 minutes, freeing up valuable clinical time.
Improved QOF Performance: By streamlining statin initiation, practices can more easily meet Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) targets for cardiovascular risk management.
Flexible Delivery: The model can be delivered by pharmacy technicians or pharmacists, reducing reliance on GP appointments and making best use of the wider primary care team.
Seamless Integration: The workflow fits neatly into existing practice systems, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.
For Patients
Clear, Accessible Information: Patients receive easy-to-understand explanations and a video resource, helping them make informed choices.
Convenient Engagement: No need to wait for a phone call or attend the surgery—patients can respond at a time that suits them.
Personalised Support: Those with questions or concerns receive prompt, expert advice from pharmacy professionals.
Governance, Safety, and Protocols
Patient safety and clinical governance are at the heart of our approach. The TMMT workflow is underpinned by:
Robust Clinical Protocols: All communications and prescribing decisions follow NHS-approved guidelines and best practice.
Training and Oversight: Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists receive comprehensive training, with clear escalation pathways for complex cases.
Data Security: Patient information is handled securely, in line with GDPR and NHS data protection standards.
Audit and Quality Assurance: Regular audits ensure the process remains safe, effective, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Real-World Impact
Practices using the TMMT QRISK workflow have reported:
Up to 60% reduction in time spent on statin initiation consultations.
Higher rates of patient engagement and statin uptake.
Positive feedback from patients appreciating the clarity and convenience of the process.
One practice manager shared, “The automated QRISK process has transformed how we manage cardiovascular risk. Our GPs have more time for complex cases, and patients feel more informed and involved in their care.”
How The Medicines Management Team Can Support Your Practice or PCN
The Medicines Management Team offers a range of services to help GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) optimise their cardiovascular risk management and meet QOF targets:
Bespoke Optimisation Pathways: Tailored solutions to fit your practice’s unique needs.
Remote Pharmacy Services: Expert support from our team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
QOF and CVD Management: Proven strategies to improve outcomes and streamline workflows.
If your practice is looking to reduce workload, improve patient engagement, or enhance QOF performance, we’re here to help. Visit The Medicines Management Team website to learn more or contact us for a personalised consultation.
Conclusion
The innovative QRISK process from The Medicines Management Team is helping GP practices across the UK reduce workload, improve patient engagement, and deliver safer, more effective cardiovascular care. By embracing automation and pharmacy-led support, your practice can achieve better outcomes for both patients and staff.
Get in touch today to see how we can help you transform your approach to cardiovascular risk management.
FAQs
What is QRISK?
QRISK is a tool used in the NHS to estimate a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the next ten years. It helps identify those who would benefit most from preventative treatments like statins
How does the automated QRISK process work?
Eligible patients receive a personalised message explaining their risk and the benefits of statins. They can reply directly to start treatment, decline, or ask questions, making the process faster and more convenient.
Is it safe for pharmacy teams to deliver this service?
Yes. The process is governed by strict clinical protocols, with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians trained to provide safe, effective care. Complex cases are always escalated to a GP.
How can my practice get started?
Contact The Medicines Management Team via our website to discuss your needs and arrange a demonstration of our QRISK workflow.
Can the automated messages be customised for our patient population?
Yes, the content of the automated messages can be tailored to reflect your practice’s communication style, patient demographics, and any specific clinical requirements.
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