Review of patients with diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) currently on statin prophylaxis in Scartho Lynton Chantry (SLC) Medical Group, Grimsby

Abstract

Background: An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when a lower part of
the body’s main artery, called the aorta, becomes weakened and bulges.
Most aneurysms do not cause any problems, but can pose serious risk if
they rupture. Hence, one of the prominent ways to reduce the risk of
rupture is by managing cardiovascular risks using statins as per National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Aims: This review audit was carried out to:
To identify the total number of patients with confirmed diagnosis of
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) within the GP Practice who were
currently taking statins.
To confirm how many of these patients have had a previous encounter
with a physician in the practice regarding Statin prophylaxis.
To confirm the number of patients who are not currently taking
statins, have no contraindication, and have not had discussion with a clinician
regarding statin prophylaxis.
To create awareness for clinicians and patients regarding NICE guidance
on statin prophylaxis.
Method: A retrospective review of clinical records was conducted via
Systemone for all the patients with AAA in the SLC practice. Then, inclusion
and exclusion criteria were applied to identify those on prophylactic statins.
Results: Of the 36 patients with AAA records retrieved, fewer than 2% of
patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were not prescribed statins.
Conclusion: Lack of awareness of the NICE guideline regarding statin
prophylaxis in patients with AAA may contribute significantly to this
outcome. Therefore, practice clinicians are to be educated on NICE
guidelines regarding statin prophylaxis in patients with AAA. Also, an
automated message can be created for patients with AAA, to book an
appointment with the clinician and discuss the use of statin.