Evaluation of academic detailing visits on GP knowledge and practice for statin use and management

Abstract

Dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is routinely managed by GPs. Lipid-modifying medicines, commonly statins, are used to treat dyslipidaemia and prevent CVD in high-risk individuals. A national education program for over 8000 Australian GPs was delivered and evaluated. The program aimed to optimise the use of statins and provide GPs with an Australian-developed statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) management algorithm supporting assessment and management of suspected SAMS. Retrospective pre-test and control questionnaires were administered to measure changes in knowledge and intended practice following the education program. A total of 226 participant GPs and 150 control GPs completed the questionnaires. The program led to positive changes in GP knowledge and intended practice around the use of absolute CVD risk to make prescribing decisions. Participant GPs demonstrated increased knowledge, compared with control GPs, about the use of CVD risk calculators as the most effective approach to lipid management, and adequately trialling a statin before considering a second agent. One of the greatest improvements in participant GP-intended practice related to the assessment and management of suspected SAMS, with participant GPs more likely to appropriately identify and manage suspected SAMS than control GPs.

Evaluation of an Academic Detailing Program to Improve Blood Pressure Measurement and Hypertension Treatment in Urban Community Health Centers

“…10 The results of this study support findings from other research that used AD to improve practice team knowledge and confidence in BP measurement and hypertension treatment. Hains et al 11 presented similar findings after evaluating a program in Australia that used AD to educate physicians on statin use and management. Compared with the controlled group, they found that the study group reported positive changes after educational intervention.…”

“…8,9 Previous research shows AD can also be an effective tool for improving cardiovascular care 8,9 and improving BP screening 6 and the use of statins for prevention of cardiovascular disease. 11 Despite AD being an effective and consistent approach to improving physician performance, only one study regarding AD and hypertension within the last 10 years was found, 6 revealing the need for more investigation in this area. This study aimed to use AD to improve clinician and practice team knowledge and confidence in BP management, specifically in lowincome, disadvantaged patient populations.…”