Assessing the Need for Patient and Provider Education to Increase Statin Compliance

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Brandy Grace (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Autumn Henson

Abstract: Background Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. High cholesterol is a modifiable risk factor for ASCVD related events such as myocardial infarction and stroke for which statins are used as primary prevention to reduce cholesterol levels and mortality. Compliance with taking statins is often a problem in primary care practices. Purpose Improve patient compliance by educating healthcare providers on statin criteria, side effect management, and patient education. Methods Following a robust literature review that the lack of education affects compliance with patient adherence to statins, education was presented to project site providers and staff of statin benefits, side effects, and compliance. In addition, a patient education flyer was created and shared with patients in the primary care office before the provider entered the exam room for review. The effect of education on the patient was evaluated after the patient had time to read about cardiovascular disease (CVD), the advantages and possible side effects of statin use, and was compared to patients willing to accept therapy. Results Overall, 57% of patients agreed to proceed with statin therapy while 43% declined. Recommendations and Conclusions This project had limitations due to staffing and was in place for three weeks. The results were positive in a very small sample size and should be repeated on a larger scale. There were no disadvantages to the patients getting the information and should be given to all patients that have a risk factor for CVD.

Additional Information

Publication
Other
Language: English
Date: 2024
Keywords
medication compliance, statin side effects, statin use, education, discontinued statin use

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