Equitable Implementation of Cascade Screening for Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Leveraging Behavioral Economics to Equitably Implement Cascade Screening in Individuals With Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Partnership With the Family Heart Foundation

Design, refine, and pilot the two implementation approaches using behavioral economics and then seek further feedback prior to the proposed clinical trial, consistent with these recommendations.

Aim 1. Co-design both implementation strategies using behavioral economics in partnership with the Family Heart Foundation and key partners from diverse backgrounds.

Aim 2. Pilot strategies with 20 patients with high cholesterol and/or with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) to ascertain feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness.

Aim 1. Conduct interviews with patients with high cholesterol and/or FH and clinicians to identify common barriers and facilitators for individuals to engage in cascade screening. These activities will occur in the first 7 months and will serve as inputs into the design of the implementation strategies to ensure that strategies address determinants identified in the interviews.

Aim 2. To maximize success, pilot test the implementation strategies and the planned data collection approaches.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with high cholesterol and/or FH (i.e., probands; Aim 1 Interviews, Aim 2 Pilot Testing Strategies, Aim 2 Interviews). Adults aged 18 and older with clinically diagnosed FH and/or high cholesterol who are treated within Penn Medicine.
• Family Members (Aim 2 Pilot Testing Strategies, Aim 2 Interviews). Adults aged 18 and older who have a family member who has been identified as a patient with high cholesterol and/or FH who is treated within Penn Medicine (i.e., family members of probands).

Exclusion Criteria:

- none