Strategies for implementing lipid-lowering therapy: pharmacy-based approach.
A multidisciplinary program was designed to improve patient outcomes after an acute coronary event. The primary objective of the program was that lipid-lowering therapy be prescribed at the time of discharge for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) patients. Secondary objectives for this program were (1) a baseline lipid panel within the first 24 hours of admission and (2) documentation of discharge counseling for lipid-lowering therapy in the patient medical record. Improvements were reported for all 3 objectives. For the primary indicator, lipid-lowering therapy prescribed at discharge, the baseline value increased from 40% to 72-81%. The percentage of patients with a lipid panel within 24 hours of admission improved from a baseline of 13% to 38-71%. Overall, 28-77% of patient records contained documentation of lipid-lowering medication counseling after initiation of the program. This information should provide the necessary benchmarking data to maintain competitiveness in the dynamic healthcare environment. Overall, this program provides high-quality, cost-effective health care for the patient with established coronary artery disease.
Birtcher
K K
KK
The Methodist Hospital, Pharmacy Services, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Bowden
C
C
Ballantyne
C M
CM
Huyen
M
M
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D008055:Lipids