Background
Statins are recommended for all patients with known coronary heart
disease. This pilot study investigated statin initiation by a Western
Australian general practitioner cohort and the influence of prescriber
and patient characteristics on prescribing.
Discussion
Prescribing practices failed to comply with current guidelines in
a significant number of cases. Further research to confirm these
findings is warranted.
Results
Fifty-five GPs responded (16.0% response rate). In over 20% of cases
a statin was not prescribed. Male (OR 4.71; 95% CI: 1.24–17.87) and
GPs with fewer years in practice (4.50; 1.21–16.77) were more likely to
prescribe appropriately. Younger patients (2.21; 1.38–3.53), and those
with diabetes (1.74; 1.09–2.76) or hypercholesterolaemia
(4.81; 2.88–8.03) were more likely to receive therapy.
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