Potential challenges and incentives to the uptake of PCSK9 inhibitors.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study of the views and perceptions of key stakeholders (consultants, prescribing nurses, pharmacists, healthcare commissioners, patients) on the use of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type-9 (PCSK9) inhibitors
IRAS ID
243411
Contact name
Stephen Chapman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Keele University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Not applicable, Not applicable
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
A new type of medicine has been introduced for the treatment of high cholesterol. This new type of medicine, called “PCSK9 inhibitors”(Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 inhibitors in full), have been shown to be more effective at reducing cholesterol in the blood than the medicine currently being used to treat high cholesterol - called “statins”. The new type of medicines can also be used in complicated cases where statins are not effective. The use of this new type of medicine could potentially save lives and NHS resources.
However, it takes time and effort for new medicines to be adopted into the health care system. It is common for research to be carried out on the beliefs and opinions of health professionals and patients on medicines to facilitate their appropriate usage. The primary objective of this project, therefore, is to understand the potential barriers and facilitators to the use of this new type of medicine in NHS Hospital Trusts. This would ensure that the need for this new type of medicine is established. Also, knowledge of the barriers and facilitators to its use would help to facilitate the adoption process and ensure patients get the most appropriate medicine for their needs. Particular emphasis will be placed on patients with a complicated form of high cholesterol called “familial hypercholesterolemia” (FH). These patients are currently not adequately treated with available medicines, and the use of this new medicine has been approved for them.
The objectives will be investigated by using interviews to explore the opinions of NHS healthcare professionals (for example; senior prescribing consultants, nurses, pharmacists), patients and healthcare commissioners on this new type of medicine.
An understanding of these problems would guide reforms by highlighting areas that need improvement in the provision of care for high cholesterol patients. The possible role of these new medicines in solving these problems could also be identified.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0386
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion