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Molero Y, Kaddoura S, Kuja-Halkola R, Larsson H, Lichtenstein P, D’Onofrio BM, Fazel S. Associations between β-blockers and psychiatric and behavioural outcomes: A population-based cohort study of 1.4 million individuals in Sweden. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004164. [PMID: 36719888 PMCID: PMC9888684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-blockers are widely used for treating cardiac conditions and are suggested for the treatment of anxiety and aggression, although research is conflicting and limited by methodological problems. In addition, β-blockers have been associated with precipitating other psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviour, but findings are mixed. We aimed to examine associations between β-blockers and psychiatric and behavioural outcomes in a large population-based cohort in Sweden. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a population-based longitudinal cohort study using Swedish nationwide high-quality healthcare, mortality, and crime registers. We included 1,400,766 individuals aged 15 years or older who had collected β-blocker prescriptions and followed them for 8 years between 2006 and 2013. We linked register data on dispensed β-blocker prescriptions with main outcomes, hospitalisations for psychiatric disorders (not including self-injurious behaviour or suicide attempts), suicidal behaviour (including deaths from suicide), and charges of violent crime. We applied within-individual Cox proportional hazards regression to compare periods on treatment with periods off treatment within each individual in order to reduce possible confounding by indication, as this model inherently adjusts for all stable confounders (e.g., genetics and health history). We also adjusted for age as a time-varying covariate. In further analyses, we adjusted by stated indications, prevalent users, cardiac severity, psychiatric and crime history, individual β-blockers, β-blocker selectivity and solubility, and use of other medications. In the cohort, 86.8% (n = 1,215,247) were 50 years and over, and 52.2% (n = 731,322) were women. During the study period, 6.9% (n = 96,801) of the β-blocker users were hospitalised for a psychiatric disorder, 0.7% (n = 9,960) presented with suicidal behaviour, and 0.7% (n = 9,405) were charged with a violent crime. There was heterogeneity in the direction of results; within-individual analyses showed that periods of β-blocker treatment were associated with reduced hazards of psychiatric hospitalisations (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91 to 0.93, p < 0.001), charges of violent crime (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81 to 0.93, p < 0.001), and increased hazards of suicidal behaviour (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.15, p = 0.012). After stratifying by diagnosis, reduced associations with psychiatric hospitalisations during β-blocker treatment were mainly driven by lower hospitalisation rates due to depressive (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89 to 0.96, p < 0.001) and psychotic disorders (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.93, p < 0.001). Reduced associations with violent charges remained in most sensitivity analyses, while associations with psychiatric hospitalisations and suicidal behaviour were inconsistent. Limitations include that the within-individual model does not account for confounders that could change during treatment, unless measured and adjusted for in the model. CONCLUSIONS In this population-wide study, we found no consistent links between β-blockers and psychiatric outcomes. However, β-blockers were associated with reductions in violence, which remained in sensitivity analyses. The use of β-blockers to manage aggression and violence could be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Molero
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sam Kaddoura
- School of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ralf Kuja-Halkola
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Larsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brian M. D’Onofrio
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Seena Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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The treatment gap in patients with chronic systolic heart failure: a systematic review of evidence-based prescribing in practice. Heart Fail Rev 2018; 21:675-697. [PMID: 27465132 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-016-9575-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The extent and impact of under-prescribing of evidence-based pharmacological therapies among heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) in contemporary practice is unclear. We sought to examine the prescribing patterns of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers (BBs) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and to quantify the estimated 'treatment gap' among HFREF patients in the 'real-world' setting. The MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL databases were searched for registry- or survey-based studies which examined the prescribing rates of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, BBs and MRAs among HFREF patients. Searches were limited to those published in the years 2000-2015. A total of 23 reports, including 83,605 patients, were evaluated. Overall, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, BBs and MRAs were prescribed to 79.8, 81.4 and 36.4 % of patients, respectively. The estimated treatment gaps in the overall population were 13.1 % for ACE inhibitors/ARBs, 3.9 % for BBs and 16.8 % for MRAs. The proportion of patients who received ≥50 % of the guideline-recommended target doses was 72 % for ACE inhibitors, 51 % for ARBs, 49 % for BBs, 53 % for the combination of ACE inhibitors/ARBs and BBs and 83 % for MRAs. Prescribing these drugs according to contemporary guidelines was associated with lower mortality risk. Patients who were elderly, female and with comorbidities were less likely to receive optimal treatment as recommended by the guidelines. ACE inhibitors, ARBs, BBs and MRAs are under-prescribed in eligible HFREF patients. Efforts should be made to improve approaches to closing the treatment gap at both systems of care and individual levels.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the numerous warnings of European and national drug agencies as well as clinical guidelines since the year 2004, psychotropic drugs are still frequently used in dementia. A systematic review comparing the use of psychotropic drugs in nursing homes from different European countries is lacking. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine prescription rates of psychotropic drug use in nursing home patients between different Western European countries since the first warnings were published. METHODS A literature review was performed and the various psychotropic prescribing rates in European nursing homes were investigated. The prescription rates of antipsychotic and antidepressants were pooled per country. Other classes of psychotropic drugs could not be pooled because of the limited number of studies found. RESULTS Thirty-seven studies on antipsychotic drug use and 27 studies on antidepressant drug use conducted in 12 different European countries. The antipsychotic use in nursing homes ranged from 12% to 59% and antidepressant use from 19% to 68%. The highest rates of antipsychotic drug prescription were found in Austria, Ireland, and Belgium while for antidepressants in Belgium, Sweden, and France. CONCLUSIONS Despite warnings about the side effects and recommendation to focus on non-pharmacological interventions, antipsychotics and antidepressants are commonly used drugs in nursing homes. The data suggest that Norway does best with regards having a low antipsychotic drug usage. Studies are needed to explain the differences between Norway and other European countries.
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Kristensen SL, Martinez F, Jhund PS, Arango JL, Bĕlohlávek J, Boytsov S, Cabrera W, Gomez E, Hagège AA, Huang J, Kiatchoosakun S, Kim KS, Mendoza I, Senni M, Squire IB, Vinereanu D, Wong RCC, Gong J, Lefkowitz MP, Rizkala AR, Rouleau JL, Shi VC, Solomon SD, Swedberg K, Zile MR, Packer M, McMurray JJV. Geographic variations in the PARADIGM-HF heart failure trial. Eur Heart J 2016; 37:3167-3174. [PMID: 27354044 PMCID: PMC5106574 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The globalization of clinical trials has highlighted geographic variations in patient characteristics, event rates, and treatment effects. We investigated these further in PARADIGM-HF, the largest and most globally representative trial in heart failure (HF) to date. Methods and results We looked at five regions: North America (NA) 602 (8%), Western Europe (WE) 1680 (20%), Central/Eastern Europe/Russia (CEER) 2762 (33%), Latin America (LA) 1433 (17%), and Asia-Pacific (AP) 1487 (18%). Notable differences included: WE patients (mean age 68 years) and NA (65 years) were older than AP (58 years) and LA (63 years) and had more coronary disease; NA and CEER patients had the worst signs, symptoms, and functional status. North American patients were the most likely to have a defibrillating-device (54 vs. 2% AP) and least likely prescribed a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (36 vs. 65% LA). Other evidence-based therapies were used most frequently in NA and WE. Rates of the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular (CV) death or HF hospitalization (per 100 patient-years) varied among regions: NA 13.6 (95% CI 11.7–15.7) WE 9.6 (8.6–10.6), CEER 12.3 (11.4–13.2), LA 11.2 (10.0–12.5), and AP 12.5 (11.3–13.8). After adjustment for prognostic variables, relative to NA, the risk of CV death was higher in LA and AP and the risk of HF hospitalization lower in WE. The benefit of sacubitril/valsartan was consistent across regions. Conclusion There were many regional differences in PARADIGM-HF, including in age, symptoms, comorbidity, background therapy, and event-rates, although these did not modify the benefit of sacubitril/valsartan. Clinical trial registration URL http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01035255.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Lund Kristensen
- BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK .,Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Felipe Martinez
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Universidad Nacional of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Pardeep S Jhund
- BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | | | - Jan Bĕlohlávek
- 2nd Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, General University Hospital and 1st Medical School, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sergey Boytsov
- National Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Albert A Hagège
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Département de Cardiologie ; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité ; INSERM U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Jun Huang
- First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Kee-Sik Kim
- Daegu Catholic University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Iván Mendoza
- Venezuela Instituto Tropical Medicine Universidad Central Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Michele Senni
- Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Cardiologia 1 - Scompenso e Trapianti di Cuore, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Iain B Squire
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, and NIHR Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Dragos Vinereanu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila - University and Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Jianjian Gong
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Jean L Rouleau
- Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Victor C Shi
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Karl Swedberg
- University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden .,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Michael R Zile
- Medical University of South Carolina and Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Milton Packer
- Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John J V McMurray
- BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Heinze G, Hronsky M, Reichardt B, Baumgärtel C, Müllner M, Bucsics A, Winkelmayer WC. Potential savings in prescription drug costs for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus by equivalent drug substitution in Austria: a nationwide cohort study. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2015; 13:193-205. [PMID: 25536928 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-014-0143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare systems spend considerable proportions of their budgets on pharmaceutical treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. From data on almost all residents of Austria, a country with mandatory health insurance and universal health coverage, we estimated potential cost savings by substituting prescribed medicines with the cheapest medicines that were of the same chemical substance and strength, and available during the same time. METHODS Data from 8.3 million persons (98.5 % of the total Austrian insured population) from 2009-2012 were analyzed. Real prescription costs for antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic medicines achievable by same-substance, same-strength drug substitution were computed for each active ingredient, and per gender and 1-year age category of patients. RESULTS In 2012, health insurance providers spent <euro>231.3 million, <euro>77.8 million, and <euro>91.9 million for antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and diabetes medications, of which <euro>52.2 million (22.6 %), <euro>15.9 million (20.5 %), and <euro>4.1 million (4.5 %), respectively, could have been saved by same-substance drug substitution. Highest potential savings were calculated for amlodipine (<euro>8.0 million, 65.4 %), simvastatin (<euro>12.2 million, 59.3 %), and metformin (<euro>2.4 million, 54.6 %), respectively. Higher savings for men than for women resulted from differing prescribed cumulative dosages and proportions of patients with co-payment waiver. Potential cost savings in antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs increased from 2009-2012. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the cost-savings potential from arguably the most acceptable of interventions, simply switching to the cheapest available same-substance, same-strength product. In 2012, this strategy could have reduced costs for antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic treatment by up to 18.0 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Heinze
- Section for Clinical Biometrics, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria,
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Welsh T, Gladman J, Gordon AL. The treatment of hypertension in care home residents: a systematic review of observational studies. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2013; 15:8-16. [PMID: 23969079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe the prevalence of hypertension in care home residents, its treatment, change in treatment over time, and the achievement of blood pressure (BP) control. METHOD The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and PsychINFO databases were searched for observational studies involving care home residents with a diagnosis of hypertension. The search was limited to English language articles involving adults and humans published from 1990 onward. Abstracts and titles were reviewed with eligible articles read in full. Bibliographies were examined for further relevant studies. The final selection of studies was then analyzed and appraised. RESULTS Sixteen articles were identified for analysis, of which half were studies carried out in the United States. The prevalence of hypertension in care home residents was 35% (range 16%-71%); 72% of these were on at least 1 antihypertensive (mean 1.5 antihypertensives per individual), with diuretics being the most common. The prevalence of hypertension in study populations was greater in more recent studies (P = .004). ACEi/ARBs (P = .001) and β-blockers (P = .04) were prescribed more frequently in recent studies, whereas use of calcium-channel blockers and diuretics remained unchanged over time. The number of antihypertensives prescribed per patient was higher (correlation 0.332, P = .009), whereas fewer patients achieved target BP (correlation -0.671, P = .099) in more recent studies. CONCLUSION Hypertension is common in care home residents and is commonly treated with antihypertensive drugs, which were prescribed more frequently in more recent studies but with no better BP control. These studies indicate a tendency toward increasing polypharmacy over time, with associated risk of adverse events, without demonstrable benefit in terms of BP control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Welsh
- Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - John Gladman
- Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Adam L Gordon
- Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Maggioni AP, Dahlström U, Filippatos G, Chioncel O, Crespo Leiro M, Drozdz J, Fruhwald F, Gullestad L, Logeart D, Fabbri G, Urso R, Metra M, Parissis J, Persson H, Ponikowski P, Rauchhaus M, Voors AA, Nielsen OW, Zannad F, Tavazzi L. EURObservational Research Programme: regional differences and 1-year follow-up results of the Heart Failure Pilot Survey (ESC-HF Pilot). Eur J Heart Fail 2013; 15:808-17. [PMID: 23537547 DOI: 10.1093/eurjhf/hft050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 547] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The ESC-HF Pilot survey was aimed to describe clinical epidemiology and 1-year outcomes of outpatients and inpatients with heart failure (HF). The pilot phase was also specifically aimed at validating structure, performance, and quality of the data set for continuing the survey into a permanent Registry. METHODS The ESC-HF Pilot study is a prospective, multicentre, observational survey conducted in 136 Cardiology Centres in 12 European countries selected to represent the different health systems across Europe. All outpatients with HF and patients admitted for acute HF on 1 day per week for eight consecutive months were included. From October 2009 to May 2010, 5118 patients were included: 1892 (37%) admitted for acute HF and 3226 (63%) patients with chronic HF. The all-cause mortality rate at 1 year was 17.4% in acute HF and 7.2% in chronic stable HF. One-year hospitalization rates were 43.9% and 31.9%, respectively, in hospitalized acute and chronic HF patients. Major regional differences in 1-year mortality were observed that could be explained by differences in characteristics and treatment of the patients. CONCLUSION The ESC-HF Pilot survey confirmed that acute HF is still associated with a very poor medium-term prognosis, while the widespread adoption of evidence-based treatments in patients with chronic HF seems to have improved their outcome profile. Differences across countries may be due to different local medical practice as well to differences in healthcare systems. This pilot study also offered the opportunity to refine the organizational structure for a long-term extended European network.
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Blozik E, Nothacker M, Bunk T, Szecsenyi J, Ollenschläger G, Scherer M. Simultaneous development of guidelines and quality indicators -- how do guideline groups act? A worldwide survey. Int J Health Care Qual Assur 2013; 25:712-29. [PMID: 23276064 DOI: 10.1108/09526861211270659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to examine the question of how official bodies, health care organisations, and professional associations deal with the absence of a methodological gold standard for the simultaneous development of clinical practice guidelines and quality indicators, what procedures they use and what they feel are major strengths and limitations of their methods. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The authors conducted a web-based survey among 90 organisational members of the Guidelines International Network (G-I-N) representing 34 countries from Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. All organisational G-I-N members were invited to participate in the survey by following a link provided in the invitation e-mail. FINDINGS The responses of 24 organisations were included in the final analysis. The results indicate a broad variability in the approaches and methods used to develop quality indicators and guidelines simultaneously. The answers of the participants indicated a lack of formal procedures for the simultaneous development. Formal procedures exist in only about half of the participating organisations. In addition, piloting or evaluation of the procedures is almost completely missing. Significantly, respondents mainly reported that the procedure used in their organisation "could certainly be more rigorous". Besides various strengths, participants reported a considerable number of limitations of the development processes they use. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This survey among G-I-N members -- despite limitations -- gives helpful insights in the state of the simultaneous development of quality indicators and clinical practice guidelines and underlines the need for future activities in methodological standard development and quality improvement of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Blozik
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg, Germany.
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Peters-Klimm F, Laux G, Campbell S, Müller-Tasch T, Lossnitzer N, Schultz JH, Remppis A, Jünger J, Nikendei C. Physician and patient predictors of evidence-based prescribing in heart failure: a multilevel study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31082. [PMID: 22363553 PMCID: PMC3283612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of patients with heart failure (HF) needs to account for changeable and complex individual clinical characteristics. The use of renin angiotensin system inhibitors (RAAS-I) to target doses is recommended by guidelines. But physicians seemingly do not sufficiently follow this recommendation, while little is known about the physician and patient predictors of adherence. METHODS To examine the coherence of primary care (PC) physicians' knowledge and self-perceived competencies regarding RAAS-I with their respective prescribing behavior being related to patient-associated barriers. Cross-sectional follow-up study after a randomized medical educational intervention trial with a seven month observation period. PC physicians (n = 37) and patients with systolic HF (n = 168) from practices in Baden-Wuerttemberg. Measurements were knowledge (blueprint-based multiple choice test), self-perceived competencies (questionnaire on global confidence in the therapy and on frequency of use of RAAS-I), and patient variables (age, gender, NYHA functional status, blood pressure, potassium level, renal function). Prescribing was collected from the trials' documentation. The target variable consisted of ≥50% of recommended RAAS-I dosage being investigated by two-level logistic regression models. RESULTS Patients (69% male, mean age 68.8 years) showed symptomatic and objectified left ventricular (NYHA II vs. III/IV: 51% vs. 49% and mean LVEF 33.3%) and renal (GFR<50%: 22%) impairment. Mean percentage of RAAS-I target dose was 47%, 59% of patients receiving ≥50%. Determinants of improved prescribing of RAAS-I were patient age (OR 0.95, CI 0.92-0.99, p = 0.01), physician's global self-confidence at follow-up (OR 1.09, CI 1.02-1.05, p = 0.01) and NYHA class (II vs. III/IV) (OR 0.63, CI 0.38-1.05, p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS A change in physician's confidence as a predictor of RAAS-I dose increase is a new finding that might reflect an intervention effect of improved physicians' intention and that might foster novel strategies to improve safe evidence-based prescribing. These should include targeting knowledge, attitudes and skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Peters-Klimm
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.
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Shoukat S, Gowani SA, Taqui AM, Ul Hassan R, Bhutta ZA, Malik AI, Sherjeel SA, Sheheryar Q, Dhakam SH. Adherence to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for chronic heart failure--a national survey of the cardiologists in Pakistan. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2011; 11:68. [PMID: 22093082 PMCID: PMC3250933 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2261-11-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to evaluate the awareness of and attitudes towards the 2005 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for Heart Failure (HF) of the cardiologists in Pakistan and assess barriers to adherence to guidelines. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in person from March to July 2009 to all cardiologists practicing in 4 major cities in Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar). A validated, semi-structured questionnaire assessing ESC 2005 Guidelines for HF was used to obtain information from cardiologists. It included questions about awareness and relevance of HF guidelines (See Additional File 1). Respondents' management choices were compared with those of an expert panel based on the guidelines for three fictitious patient cases. Cardiologists were also asked about major barriers to adherence to guidelines. RESULTS A total of 372 cardiologists were approached; 305 consented to participate (overall response rate, 82.0%). The survey showed a very high awareness of CHF guidelines; 97.4% aware of any guideline. About 13.8% considered ESC guidelines as relevant or very relevant for guiding treatment decisions while 92.8% chose AHA guidelines in relevance. 87.2% of respondents perceived that they adhered to the HF guidelines. For the patient cases, the proportions of respondents who made recommendations that completely matched those of the guidelines were 7% (Scenario 1), 0% (Scenario 2) and 20% (Scenario 3). Respondents considered patient compliance (59%) and cost/health economics (50%) as major barriers to guideline implementation. CONCLUSION We found important self reported departures from recommended HF management guidelines among cardiologists of Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Shoukat
- Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Denktaş S, Koopmans G, Birnie E, Foets M, Bonsel G. Underutilization of prescribed drugs use among first generation elderly immigrants in the Netherlands. BMC Health Serv Res 2010; 10:176. [PMID: 20569456 PMCID: PMC2901342 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-10-176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In developed countries, health care utilization among immigrant groups differs where the dominant interpretation is unjustified overutilization due to lack of acculturation. We investigated utilization of prescribed drugs in native Dutch and various groups of immigrant elderly. METHODS Cross-sectional study using data from the survey "Social Position, Health and Well-being of Elderly Immigrants" (the Netherlands, 2003). Ethnicity-matched interviewers conducted the survey among first generation immigrants aged 55 years and older. Outcome measure is self-reported use of prescribed drugs. Utilization is explained by need, and by enabling and predisposing factors, in particular acculturation; analysis is conducted by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS The study population consisted of immigrants from Turkey (n = 307), Morocco (n = 284), Surinam (n = 308) and the Netherlands Antilles (n = 300), and a native Dutch reference group (n = 304). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), COPD and musculoskeletal disorders was relatively high among immigrant elderly. Drug utilization in especially Turkish and Moroccan elderly with DM and COPD was relatively low. Drugs use for non-mental chronic diseases was explained by more chronic conditions (OR 2.64), higher age (OR 1.03), and modern attitudes on male-female roles (OR 0.74) and religiosity (OR 0.89). Ethnicity specific effects remained only among Turkish elderly (OR 0.42). Drugs use for mental health problems was explained by more chronic conditions (OR 1.43), better mental health (OR 0.95) and modern attitudes on family values (OR 0.59). Ethnicity specific effects remained only among Moroccan (OR 0.19) and Antillean elderly (OR 0.31). Explanation of underutilization of drugs among diseased with diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders are found in number of chronic diseases (OR 0.74 and OR 0.78) and regarding diabetes also in language proficiency (OR 0.66) and modern attitudes on male-female roles (OR 1.69). CONCLUSIONS Need and predisposing factors (acculturation) are the strongest determinants for drugs utilization among elderly immigrants. Significant drugs underutilization exists among migrants with diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semiha Denktaş
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Carlzon D, Gustafsson L, Eriksson AL, Rignér K, Sundström A, Wallerstedt SM. Characteristics of primary health care units with focus on drug information from the pharmaceutical industry and adherence to prescribing objectives: a cross-sectional study. BMC CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 2010; 10:4. [PMID: 20156362 PMCID: PMC2831842 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6904-10-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 02/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to prescribing guidelines varies between primary health care units. The aim of the present study was to investigate correlations between characteristics of primary health care units and adherence to prescribing objectives for rational drug use with focus on drug information from the pharmaceutical industry. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in all 25 primary health care units in Göteborg, Sweden. A questionnaire on characteristics of practice settings [(i) size of unit, (ii) profession of head, (iii) use of temporary physicians, (iv) drug information from the pharmaceutical industry, (v) producer-independent drug information, and (vi) education on prescribing for newly employed physicians] was sent to the heads of the units. A national sales register for prescribed drugs (Xplain) was used for evaluation of adherence to the six regional prescribing objectives concerning proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), statins and antidepressants. RESULTS Twenty-two out of 25 primary health care units responded to the questionnaire (response rate 88%). A physician as head and presence of producer-independent drug information was positively correlated with adherence to the prescribing objectives (median number of prescribing objectives adhered to (25th - 75th percentile): 2.5 (1-3.25) vs 1 (0-2), P = 0.013; 2 (1-3) vs 0, P = 0.043, respectively. Presence of drug information from the pharmaceutical industry and education on prescribing for newly employed physicians was negatively associated with adherence to the prescribing objectives: 1 (0-2) vs 3.5 (2.25-4.75), P = 0.005; 1 (0-2) vs 3 (1.5-4), P = 0.034, respectively. CONCLUSION Several characteristics of the primary health care units correlated with adherence to prescribing objectives for rational drug use. Further research on this topic is needed and would constitute valuable information for health care decision makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Carlzon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Göteborg, Sweden
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Blair JE, Zannad F, Konstam MA, Cook T, Traver B, Burnett JC, Grinfeld L, Krasa H, Maggioni AP, Orlandi C, Swedberg K, Udelson JE, Zimmer C, Gheorghiade M. Continental Differences in Clinical Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized With Worsening Heart Failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 2008; 52:1640-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2008.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 06/27/2008] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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van Luijn JCF, van Loenen AC, Gribnau FWJ, Leufkens HGM. Choice of comparator in active control trials of new drugs. Ann Pharmacother 2008; 42:1605-12. [PMID: 18957629 DOI: 10.1345/aph.1l115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When choosing the active control group in a randomized trial, it is important to maintain standard treatment for the therapeutic indication for which a medicine is studied. This choice is relevant not only for demonstrating the efficacy and safety of a new drug, but also for assessing its place in therapy in comparison with existing medicines. Comparative information is important for decisions on prescribing and reimbursement. However, choosing the most suitable comparator is difficult when recommendations on drugs of first choice vary depending on clinical settings and times. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the choice of comparator in premarketing randomized active control trials (RaCTs) in comparison with recommendations for standard treatment. METHODS We evaluated drugs that were authorized for use in the European Union market between 1999 and 2005. Information on active comparators in RaCTs was extracted from the European Public Assessment Reports and information on recommendations regarding standard treatment was retrieved from the annual editions of the Dutch reference book on pharmacotherapy. Data on prescribing and indications at the time of authorization and 3 years before authorization were included. The comparator was considered to be in line with standard treatment if there was a similarity in both active substance or therapeutic class and the dosage. RESULTS For 58 new medications identified, treatment in the active control group was in line with the recommended standard treatment in 108 of 153 (71%) RaCTs at the time of the drug's authorization; 47 (81%) of the new drugs had been compared with the recommended standard treatment in at least one trial. When dissimilarities occurred, none of the comparators had been recommended as standard treatment 3 years earlier (the supposed time of defining the trials' protocol). CONCLUSIONS Most comparators in the premarketing RaCTs of new medicines were in line with the recommended standard treatment at the moment of marketing authorization. In view of this similarity, most of these trials are also fit for postmarketing decision-making on prescribing and on inclusion in clinical guidelines and reimbursement systems.
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Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Sketris IS. Analyzing international prescribing patterns and medication use: An approach to assisting in the improvement of health care quality and patient outcomes. Clin Ther 2007; 29:936-938. [PMID: 17697912 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2007.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid S Sketris
- College of Pharmacy Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
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