This article explains how QRISK®3 is presented and used within Ardens Manager, including the distinction between Predicted and values, appropriate use cases, and important licensing and disclaimer information.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


What is QRISK®3 & how is it calculated?

QRISK®3 is a clinically validated cardiovascular risk prediction algorithm used in the UK to estimate an individual’s 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

It is widely used in primary care to support:

  • Cardiovascular risk assessment

  • Shared decision-making with patients

  • Identification of patients who may benefit from further assessment or intervention


QRISK®3 is calculated using a wide range of patient‑specific factors, including (but not limited to) age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, blood pressure, cholesterol ratio, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (e.g. diabetes, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation), family history and deprivation indices. Please see licencing and disclaimers at the bottom of this page for more information.

Within Ardens Manager, QRISK®3 data is surfaced at population level to support risk stratification, prioritisation, and service planning, rather than to replace individual clinical assessment.


Predicted & Recorded QRISK®3 in Ardens Manager

Ardens Manager displays QRISK®3 in two forms:

QRISK®3 (Predicted)

  • Applies the QRISK®3 algorithm to estimate risk using available coded data

  • Calculated where no recent recorded QRISK®3 score exists

  • May rely on assumptions or default handling where data items are missing

  • Designed to support population‑level insight, not final clinical decision‑making

As a result:

  • The predicted value is an approximation

  • Human clinical input is required to confirm, amend, or recalculate a final QRISK®3 score

  • Predicted values should not be used as a substitute for a formal QRISK®3 assessment

QRISK®2/3 (Recorded)

  • Uses an existing, coded QRISK®2/3 score recorded in the patient’s clinical system

  • Reflects a score that has been calculated and confirmed during a clinical consultation

  • Typically based on complete, contemporaneous clinical data

How can QRISK®3 be used in Ardens Manager?

QRISK®3 data in Ardens Manager is intended to support population health management rather than individual diagnosis.

Common use cases include:

1. Risk stratification

  • Identify cohorts with higher estimated cardiovascular risk

  • Understand variation across practices, PCNs, or ICBs

2. Prioritisation for review

  • Use Predicted QRISK®3 to help prioritise patients for:

    • Case finding

    • Medication reviews

    • Lifestyle intervention

3. Service planning and reporting

  • Inform preventative care programmes

  • Support reporting against cardiovascular prevention initiatives


Important: Any clinical action must be based on a clinician‑reviewed, recorded QRISK®3 score, calculated using up‑to‑date and complete patient information. Ardens Manager users should not use QRISK®3 scores for direct patient care. 



How to access QRISK®3 in Ardens Manager

QRISK®3 data can be viewed and filtered within Ardens Manager at condition, population, and patient cohort level.

  1. Open a Report View

    • Select View on any given report on a dashboard 

  2. Access the Risk section

    • Within the register view, select the Risk tab from the horizontal menu


    • This displays population-level risk charts, including:

      • QRISK®3 (Predicted)

      • QRISK®3 (Recorded)



  3. Apply QRISK®3 filters

    • Select Filter at the top of the screen

    • Expand the Risk section

       

    • Choose either:

      • QRISK®3 (Predicted), or

      • QRISK®3 (Recorded)

    • Choose the required category:

      • <10%

      • 10–20%

      • ≥20%

      • Not suitable / unable to calculate

    • Select Apply to update the view

  4. Review the filtered cohort

    • The register will update to show only patients matching the selected QRISK®3 criteria

    • Counts, benchmarks, and risk charts will refresh accordingly

Key notes on access and interpretation

  • Filters clearly indicate whether Recorded or Predicted QRISK®3 is being applied

  • Predicted QRISK®3 cohorts are typically smaller and should be used for prioritisation, not final clinical action

  • Selecting a QRISK®3 filter will also update all associated charts and benchmark tables in the view


Licensing & Disclaimers

QRISK® is a registered trademark of Egton Medical Information Systems Limited.

The initial version of the QRISK®3 algorithm is derived from source code available at:

https://qrisk.org/src.php


This code faithfully implements QRISK®3‑2017 and has been released by ClinRisk Ltd under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) to enable others to implement the algorithm faithfully.


However, due to the nature of the LGPL:

  • It is not possible to prevent alterations to coefficients or logic

  • Inputs may be mis‑handled or incomplete

  • Poor implementation may result in inaccurate scores


ClinRisk Ltd therefore stress that:

  • It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that any implementation produces results consistent with the original code

  • The reference implementation can be found at: https://qrisk.org


Inaccurate implementations of risk scores can result in patients receiving inappropriate treatment.

Ardens Manager presents QRISK®3 outputs for informational and prioritisation purposes only and does not replace clinical judgement or validated point‑of‑care calculation.