Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient knowledge and assess the management of angina for patients receiving sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)
Method: Prospective data collection and patient interview was undertaken in 17 community pharmacies.
Results: During the study 488 angina patients presented to the participating pharmacies. Data were collected for 347 patients receiving sublingual GTN. Problems with administration technique were identified for 108 patients (31%) and knowledge of when to seek medical help appropriately after failed GTN use was unsure for 134 patients (39%) or poor for 88 patients (25%). Eighty five patients (24%) were not receiving regular symptomatic therapy. Aspirin was prescribed or purchased by 253 patients (73%). Seven pharmacies participated in GP referral (data collected for 201 patients); 31 patients (15%) were referred usually with a recommendation to add aspirin. The outcome of 20 of these referrals was assessed; advice was taken for 13 patients, 3 patients failed to attend GP, aspirin was contraindicated for 3 patients and one patient already attended pharmacist medication review.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential contribution community pharmacists could make at the time of dispensing to the management of patients with angina.
References
North of England evidence based guidelines development project: summary version of evidence based guideline for the primary care management of stable angina. BMJ 1996;312:827-32.
Scottish Heart Health Survey 1995 (GGHB figures).
Khunt K, Sorrie R, Jennings S, Farooqi A. Improving aspirin prophylaxis after myocardial infarction in primary care: collaboration in multipractice audit between primary care audit group and health authority. BMJ 1999;319:297.
Primary Care Management of New Chest Pain. GGHB Guidelines May 1997.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McGovern, E., Mackay, C., Hair, A. et al. Pharmaceutical care needs of patients with angina. Pharm World Sci 23, 175–176 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012035706880
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012035706880