NPS program successes
August 6, 2013
NPS MedicineWise programs
targeting quality use of medicines
in cardiovascular management
have improved prescribing and
disease management in primary
care, according to a study published
this week in the Medical Journal of
Australia.
The research evaluated the
impact of four NPS cardiovascular
management programs, each
of which demonstrated an
improvement in practice at
6-12 months or a sustained
improvement month on month.
The study examined the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
claims dataset from 01 Jan 2002
to 31 Aug 2010, looking at the
use of antithrombotics in people
with atrial fibrillation and in those
who had had a stroke, and the
use of echocardiography and
spironolactone in the population
with heart failure.
The NPS programs encompassed
case studies and audits, along
with presriber feedback, academic
detailing and a range of printed
educational materials.
The study’s authors concluded
that the NPS MedicineWise
interventions were associated
with significant improvements
in medicine utilisation and
diagnostic test use in cardiovascular
management.
“On the whole, the suite of
interventions in primary care
was effective in improving health
professional practice, providing
consistent changes in prescribing,
and cardiovascular disease
management,” they said.
NPS MedicineWise ceo Dr Lyn
Weekes said the study highlighted
how effective quality use of
medicines interventions contribute
to improved economic and health
outcomes across Australia.
“This year around 14,000 GPs and
6000 pharmacists will participate
in educational activities run by NPS
MedicineWise,” she said.
To read the full study, CLICK HERE
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