Patient and prescriber knowledge of SGLT2i sick day rules: a single centre cohort study
Abstract
Sodium Glucose Co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have seen a dramatic increase in usage in recent years based on cardiovascular and renal studies and are now Class I recommendations in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) heart failure guidelines. A known complicating factor with SGLT2i’s is the requirement of adherence to "sick day rules", which specify that a patient should hold their medication while unwell.
Our purpose for this study was to assess patient’s knowledge and adherence to sick day rules for SGLT2i’s, and to assess prescriber compliance in holding these agents in appropriate clinical situations.
We performed a single centre snapshot cohort study looking at inpatients in our hospital that were taking an SGLT2i. We screened inpatient prescriptions at our centre for those who were prescribed a SGLT2i, either Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin or Canagliflozin. 1050 patients were screened over 4 week period and 64 patients (7%) were identified that were taking a SGLT2i. We interviewed each patient with three pre-specified questions to assess their knowledge of being on an SGLT2i. 4 (6%) of the above patients were unable to give appropriate responses, for example due to a cognitive impairment. They were asked specifically about the medication that they were taking and included the drug and brand name. We also assessed if there was infection and whether the SGLT2i had been held appropriately.
Out of the 60 (94%) patients who were able to give appropriate responses,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 1,050 participants or records.
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