Heart Failure Treatment in Dutch General Practice
Author Information
Author(s): Bongers Frans JM, Schellevis François G, Bakx Carel, van den Bosch Wil JHM, van der Zee Jouke
Primary Institution: NIVEL (Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research)
Hypothesis
To study the relation between the prescription rates of selected cardiovascular drugs and sociodemographic factors among patients with heart failure in general practice.
Conclusion
Prescription is influenced by age and concomitant diseases, but not by gender.
Supporting Evidence
- 2771 patients were diagnosed with heart failure, with a prevalence of 7.4 in 1000.
- Overall prescription rates for RAAS-I, beta-blockers, and diuretics were 50%, 32%, and 86%, respectively.
- The study found significant differences in prescription rates based on age and comorbidities.
Takeaway
Doctors in the Netherlands give heart failure patients medicine based on their age and other health problems, not really on whether they are men or women.
Methodology
Data from the second Dutch National Survey in General Practice was analyzed, including patient demographics and prescription records.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the validity of heart failure diagnoses made by GPs.
Limitations
The study relies on GPs' diagnoses without independent confirmation and lacks data on medication dosages and disease severity.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of patients was 77.7 years, with 68% aged 75 or older and 55% being women.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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