CASE STUDY: Timely Support Helps Maintain Motivation and Reduce CVD Risk
Jenny Ward, PCN Dietitian at Unity PCN Coventry
Case Study 3: A Motivated Patient
1) Patient Background
Mr. A, a 49-year-old Asian male, presented with a complex profile including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, significantly increasing his cardiovascular risk. This risk was compounded by high cholesterol, high blood pressure (180/106 mmHg), and obesity (BMI 38.6). He was highly motivated to make lifestyle changes by the recent death of his father and was proactive in booking a PCN dietetic appointment, where he was seen within 10 days.
2) Dietetic Intervention and Plan
Mr. A did not meet the criteria for NHS weight loss injections. A detailed assessment revealed frequent intake of convenience snacks (sandwiches, chocolate, crisps), high-carbohydrate evening meals, a weekly takeaway, and two cans of sugary fizzy drinks daily. The plan focused on a holistic, patient-centred approach to manage weight and improve overall health:
-
Education: Guidance on the plate model (½ veg, ¼ protein, ¼ wholegrain) and mindful eating/satiety cues.
-
Agreed Goals:
-
Reduce Snacks: Focus on healthier alternatives.
-
Switch Drinks: Transition to sugar-free options.
-
Increase Activity: Aim for a daily walk.
-
Resources: Provided educational materials on healthy snacks, the NHS Better Health app, and BDA resources.
3) Outcome and Follow-up
A follow-up appointment was scheduled for two months to review his progress.
Benefit of PCN Dietitian: The PCN dietitian provided a timely, proactive, patient-centred intervention (within 10 days) that was available through secondary care (he was still awaiting his appointment with the weight management service). This allowed Mr. A to capitalise on his current high motivation following a significant life event to make immediate, positive lifestyle changes, directly impacting his multiple cardiovascular risk factors.