Related Experiment Videos
Acetylcholinesterase treatment--modelling potential demand and auditing practice
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, London. s.lovestone@iop.kcl.ac.uk
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
|December 19, 2001
Summary
Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) showed modest real-world demand, with low referral rates impacting uptake. However, clinical practice adhered to guidelines, enabling effective patient assessment and treatment management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors offer novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment.
- These inhibitors introduce practice changes and cost pressures for healthcare funders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of cholinesterase inhibitors on routine clinical practice for Alzheimer's disease.
- To assess adherence to prescribing guidelines and demand versus actual utilization.
Main Methods:
- Estimated potential demand based on eligibility and agreed prescribing practices.
- Audited actual prescribing against estimated demand and adherence to criteria.
- Utilized cognitive, functional, and global state assessments for treatment monitoring.
Main Results:
- Estimated demand was 89 patient years; actual therapy received was 24.5 patient years, due to low referrals.
- Prescribing aligned with practice guidelines; high adherence to assessment schedules.
- Assessment procedures differentiated treatment success, allowing for discontinuation when appropriate.
Conclusions:
- Real-world demand for Alzheimer's disease treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors is currently modest but expected to increase.
- Clinical practice allows for effective assessment to identify patients benefiting from treatment.