Update: GPs warned about error in cardiovascular risk calculator

An alert sent by the MHRA to GP practices advises that patients in whom the QRISK2 calculator was used may have had their potential risk of cardiovascular disease under- or overstated.

Surgeries using SystmOne should not use the QRISK tool until further notice. The QRISK2 calculator available at www.qrisk.org may be used instead, as it is not affected by this issue.

According to the MHRA, the risk to individual patients is small and the issue affects only a limited group of patients who should be re-evaluated at their next routine appointment.

The MHRA is working with TPP, the company who built the tool, to urgently resolve the issue and identify affected patients. TPP will be in touch with practices directly regarding affected patients; in the meantime, patients should be advised to continue taking their medication as prescribed. 

Queries can be sent to DSS-TM@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.