PHASES

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of preventable hospitalisation and death in Queensland. Many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through earlier identification of risk and timely management in primary care. Standard treatments such as lipid and BP lowering medications can halve risk of a CVD event. By identifying patients early and intervening, we can reduce the burden of CVD. The data shows that for every 10 high-risk patients treated; we can prevent 1 cardiovascular event within 5 years.  

What is PHASES? 

PHASES (Preventing Heart Attacks and Stroke Events through Surveillance) is a statewide cardiovascular disease prevention initiative delivered in partnership with the Queensland PHN Collective, Queensland Health and the Commonwealth. 

The project supports general practices to improve early identification and management of cardiovascular risk using Primary Sense™ and the AusCVD Risk Calculator. 

PHASES focuses on closing common gaps in care, including: 

• incomplete recording of blood pressure, smoking status and lipids
• inconsistent use of CVD risk calculators
• missed opportunities to proactively review and manage high-risk patients. 

Over 5 five years, the project aims to support better patient outcomes and contribute to fewer avoidable hospital admissions across the region. 

What PHASES means for your practice 

PHASES is not a one-off program or a new compliance requirement. It is a supported, staged approach to improving cardiovascular prevention that: 

• aligns with existing accreditation and PIP QI requirements
• builds confidence in using practice data for clinical decision-making
• supports team-based models of care (GPs, nurses, practice managers and admin staff)
• focuses on small, achievable quality improvement activities. 

Practices are supported to move at their own pace, starting with foundational activities such as data quality and progressing to risk assessment and management optimisation over time. 

What can you do now 

1. Data cleansing  
2. Read information on why it’s important and how nurses can complete heart health check (see resources in the side panel).
3. Utilise the AusCVD calculator determine your at-risk patients. 

4. Attend PHASES statewide webinars 

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Get support 

Brisbane North PHN supports practices participating in PHASES through: 

• practical CQI activities and templates
• one-on-one support from QI and & Development Engagement Officers
• webinars and CPD-accredited education
• step-by-step guides and workflows
• access to existing tools such as Primary Sense™ and Heart Foundation resources
• wording of the messaging for SMS reminders and recall that practices can tailor.  

Support is tailored to practice readiness and integrated into routine PHN engagement. If you would like to understand how PHASES applies to your practice, or would like support with cardiovascular CQI activities, contact the Brisbane North PHN Quality Improvement and Development team via Practice Support.