Patients' perspectives on statin therapy for treatment of hypercholesterolaemia: a qualitative study

Tolmie, E. P., Lindsay, G. M., Kerr, S. M., Brown, M. R., Ford, I. and Gaw, A. (2003) Patients' perspectives on statin therapy for treatment of hypercholesterolaemia: a qualitative study. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2(2), pp. 141-149. (doi: 10.1016/S1474-5151(03)​00028-8)

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Abstract

<b>BACKGROUND:</b> Health Care Practitioners' attempts to implement secondary prevention targets for coronary heart disease (CHD) may be restricted by low rates of persistence with statin therapy. There is a need to understand why some patients, despite having established CHD and elevated cholesterol, do not comply with their prescribed statin regimen. <b>AIM:</b> To explore patients' perspectives on compliance with statin therapy. <b>SETTING:</b> Primary care, West of Scotland. <b>METHODS:</b> The research approach was qualitative. Thirty-three patients prescribed statin therapy and identified as having different patterns of compliance (poor moderate and good) were interviewed. The in-depth interviews were conducted on a one to one basis. Patients prescribed statin therapy for less than three months were excluded. Data were analysed thematically with the assistance of QSR Nudist. <b>FINDINGS:</b> From analysis of the narrative data, two broad categories, i.e. 'Patient-health care provider communication' and 'Health beliefs' were identified. These categories encompassed six main themes: 'Initiation of therapy'; 'Subsequent feedback'; 'Sources of misconceptions'; 'Unconditional acceptance'; 'Conditional acceptance'; 'Deferment and Rejection'. Acceptance of and compliance with statin therapy appeared to be associated with the provision, interpretation and feedback of information during patient-practitioner consultations, and patients' beliefs about personal health status, cholesterol, and recommended cholesterol-lowering strategies. <b>CONCLUSIONS:</b> Patients' beliefs and understanding about cholesterol, and the role of cholesterol modifying strategies should be determined prior to the initiation of therapy and at appropriate intervals thereafter.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lindsay, Dr Grace and Gaw, Dr Allan and Kerr, Ms Susan and Tolmie, Dr Elizabeth
Authors: Tolmie, E. P., Lindsay, G. M., Kerr, S. M., Brown, M. R., Ford, I., and Gaw, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:1474-5151
ISSN (Online):1873-1953
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