This web demonstration of the score involves entering all the data by hand, including the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

When properly implemented into practice the risk factor data and the software program to calculate the score will be integrated fully into patient management computer systems. Existing stored data on age and sex and risk factor values would be used, and the computer would ask only for any information that was not yet in the system.

In addition, built into the data management system would be a "look-up table" which uses the patient's address/ postcode to obtain the appropriate SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) score for that little area. This is a very sensitive indicator of social status, particularly in centres of population where similar people live together. It is less reliable in scattered communities in rural areas. However, our previous analyses have shown a steep gradient in cardiovascular risk associated with SIMD score, which is inadequately explained by conventional risk factors. That is why the SIMD score is added to ASSIGN as it is an additonal indicator of risk over and above conventional risk factors.

ASSIGN paper now published on 7th November 2006.  For links to the
following documents click below:

• Published paper in Heart  (free access to published abstract,
  access to published manuscsript for those with library rights or who
  purchase it)
• Press release from University of Dundee, Scotland, 7th
  November 2006
• Pre-publication manuscript for PERSONAL use of visitors to
  website unable to access published paper