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Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Overprescribing of lipid lowering agents
M A Smith1, E D Cox, J M Bartell
1Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 505 WARF Bldg, 610 Walnut St, Madison, WI 53726-2397, USA. maureensmith@wisc.edu
Quality & Safety in Health Care
|August 4, 2006
Summary
Overprescribing of lipid-lowering agents is common and increasing, particularly among certain physician types and practice settings. This trend highlights a need to re-evaluate prescribing patterns for hyperlipidemia management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Undertreatment of hyperlipidemia is well-documented.
- Trends and influencing factors in the overprescribing of lipid-lowering agents are less understood.
- This study investigates physician, practice, and organizational factors associated with overprescribing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trends in the overprescribing of lipid-lowering agents.
- To identify physician, practice, and organizational factors associated with overprescribing.
- To analyze longitudinal changes in overprescribing patterns.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 2034 physicians at baseline (1996-7) and follow-up (1998-9).
- Assessed prescribing recommendations for a standardized patient profile not meeting guideline criteria for treatment.
- Utilized logistic regression to analyze overprescribing and changes over time, accounting for complex sampling.
Main Results:
- Physician overprescribing increased from 39% to 51% between survey rounds (p < 0.001).
- Overprescribing was associated with non-board certification, smaller practices, higher Medicare/Medicaid revenue, and family physicians.
- International medical graduates and those spending more patient care hours showed larger increases in overprescribing.
Conclusions:
- Overprescribing of lipid-lowering agents is prevalent and rising.
- Physician and practice characteristics, rather than organizational factors, were primary drivers of overprescribing.
- Findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to align prescribing with evidence-based guidelines.
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