Quality Improvement Project: Deprescribing Statins in Patients Over 85 Years Old
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Purpose: Recent studies have suggested that elderly patients over 85 years old do not benefit from statin therapy and may be more susceptible to adverse effects, including a higher mortality rate. The purpose of this project is to deprescribe statins in patients over 85 years old at a family medicine practice in Eagle Lake, TX. Methods: A chart review of patients over 85 years old encountered between September 2021 and October 2021 was conducted. Those on statin therapy was identified. Enhancement was subsequently implemented between October 2021 and November 2021, which involved identifying those who are over 85 years old on statin therapy and recommending them to discontinue it. Results: The pre-enhancement chart review of patients seen between September 2021 and October 2021 found 5 out of 7 patients who are over 85 years old were prescribed statins. 1 out of 2 patients over 85 years old seen during the enhancement period between October 2021 and November 2021 were on statin, which was subsequently deprescribed followed by patient education and counseling. Conclusions: Though we were only able to deprescribe statin on one elderly patient, our pre-enhancement chart review suggests there are more who may benefit from this enhancement. We have learned the importance of being up to date with the latest therapy guidelines. The next steps are to continue implementing this enhancement and educating patients and other family medicine providers within the practice.