NICE has published COVID-19 rapid evidence summary: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in people with or at risk of COVID-19 – which includes the following conclusion: Despite biological plausibility for the role of ACEIs and ARBs in both increasing and decreasing the risk of COVID-19 and its complications, this evidence review has not found any Continue Reading »
Northern England Clinical Network (NECN) Non-Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulant medicines (NOAC) Alert Cards In 2015, NECN Cardiac Rhythm Management subgroup – supported by the Stroke Advisory Group, Haematology Group, Pharmacy Group, Primary Care Group, Thrombosis Group, acute care physicians and patient representation groups – launched a NOAC Alert Card. An initial supply was sent to all NHS Trust Continue Reading »
The Academic Health Science Network for the North East & North Cumbria have refreshed the Anticoagulant Treatment in Atrial Fibrillation Card Deck distributed to GPs across the region in 2017. The refreshed Card Deck, produced jointly with Northern England Clinical Networks and endorsed by the Atrial Fibrillation Association and the Stroke Association, has been designed to help GPs manage AF more effectively. The Continue Reading »
Implementing the clinical guideline is expected to reduce the incidence of stroke for people with atrial fibrillation to 69% of the current level. This translates to a relative risk reduction of 31% and a reduction in stroke incidence from 59 to 41 per 100,000 population per annum.
There are significant resource implications arising from the recommendations and it has been assumed that the majority of change in practice will occur in the first year following publication of the guideline.
This paper is designed to give an executive summary of the key points in relation to medicines optimisation arising from NICE CG180. It highlights some issues CCGs may wish to consider in terms of implementation of the guidance.