Successful implementation of a guideline program for the rational use of lipid-lowering drugs.
Following the National Cholesterol Educational Program's (NCEP) 1988 screening and treatment recommendations, an educational and behavior-change program at Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound (GHC) was developed to guide the use of lipid-lowering drugs within the larger context of cardiac risk reduction. The program has been successful in advancing a rational program to enhance care and manage costs of the use of lipid-lowering agents at GHC. Cost savings have been significant over the past two years. The educational design of the program includes training and ongoing education of a core group of "lipid gurus," who educate colleagues in area medical centers in a rational approach to hyperlipidemia. Patient education and patient participation in decision-making was emphasized. Program evaluation has demonstrated that physicians and patients are satisfied with the program, and inappropriate drug expenditures have been prevented. Key elements of the program include a critical review of outcome studies in the medical literature, use of information systems, algorithms and written materials organized into a well-designed, ongoing educational program, and development of a core group of physicians and pharmacists to administer the program at the clinic level.
Stuart
M E
ME
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, WA 98112.
Handley
M A
MA
Chamberlain
M A
MA
Wallach
R W
RW
Penna
P M
PM
Stergachis
A
A
D000465:Algorithms; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D017046:Cost Savings / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016527:Drug Costs; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016730:Program Development; D012307:Risk Factors; D014861:Washington
D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents