Devolving of statin prescribing to general practitioners for HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy

Int J STD AIDS. 2009 Mar;20(3):202-4. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2008.008273.

Abstract

Serious adverse events and medication errors are common in clinical practice and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Management of HIV-positive patients is likely to become more complex as people age, developing multiple medical conditions and thus requiring polypharmacy. We undertook a casenote review and interview of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to audit the safety of devolving statin prescribing to general practitioners (GPs). Of 26 patients only 50% had their statin prescribing successfully been devolved to GPs. Many experienced significant difficulties and two of 26 (8%) were switched to simvastatin while receiving a protease inhibitor. We demonstrate that prescribing ART and non-ART medication by different practitioners on different sites can potentially expose patients to serious life-threatening adverse events. We make recommendations to minimize these risks and suggest that care pathways are reviewed to ensure they remain both convenient and user-friendly without compromising patient safety.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Interactions*
  • Drug Prescriptions
  • Family Practice*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Medication Errors*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polypharmacy
  • Quality of Health Care

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors