Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Primary Care Using the REAP-S Screening Tool

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to deliver an educational PowerPoint presentation to primary-care clinicians to increase their understanding and utilization of the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants, a shortened version (REAP-S) screening tool. By doing so, the goal was to improve provider evaluation of patient dietary patterns and associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Background. CVD is the overall leading cause of mortality in the United States, accounting for 695,547 deaths in 2021 (CDC, 2023). The probability of developing CVD is associated with unhealthy dietary patterns that are prevalent in Western countries, such as excessive consumption of high sodium and processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars (Casas et al., 2018). Primary care providers often do not follow a standardized approach for routine dietary assessment and evaluation of its impact on CVD risk. Rapid dietary screening tools, including the REAP-S tool, have high feasibility for clinicians to screen diet quality and improve the ability to determine the need for dietary counseling or other interventions to improve a patient’s diet habits and reduce their risk of developing CVD (Vadiveloo et al., 2020). Methods. Participants included providers who serve adult patients (18 years or older) at a primary care clinic located in Vail, Arizona. Participants were recruited in person and were asked to complete the educational presentation as well as pre- and post-surveys. The surveys were administered in person and assessed provider perceptions, knowledge, and potential utilization of the REAP-S tool. Due to a small sample size, statistical significance testing was not feasible. Data was analyzed via comparison of pre- and post-survey mean Likert-score comparisons. Results. The project was implemented over a two-week timeframe. Upon completion of the project, participants reported increased knowledge, positive perceptions, and potential utilization regarding the REAP-S tool for CVD risk and mortality assessment. Conclusions. It has been established through this project that the delivery of an educational PowerPoint presentation regarding the use of the REAP-S screening is an effective and appropriate way to increase healthcare providers’ understanding and utilization of this tool to better assess patient diet and CVD risk.