Standardised monitoring of patients on long-term medication in primary care.
A three-year pilot study was initiated in collaboration with three general practices to develop a standardised monitoting (SM) system to ensure that chronically sick patients on long-term medication, such as thyroxine, diuretics angiotensin convening enzyme (ACE) inhibitors statins and antirheumatics were reliabily monitored following fixed protocols. A high standard of care was achieved, which included identifying and following up patients with borderline or unacceptable results and persistent non-attendees. In addition, the scheme guaranteed that a current set of results was provided in time for clinical review.
Rodway
Alison
A
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Fleetwood
J A
JA
Laker
M F
MF
Knowles
Sandra
S
Sanderson
P W
PW
Scott
M E
ME
D002908:Chronic Disease; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care