28
May 2019
Study finds female heart patients receive ‘sub optimal care’
A recent study by Oxford University has found that when it comes to diagnostic tests, prescriptions and follow-up appointments, female heart patients are receiving ‘sub optimal care’.
The study also found that they were 13 per cent less likely to receive life-saving drugs than men of the same condition and age, and nine per cent less likely to be diagnosed in a GP surgery.
Heart failure currently affects over 900,000 people in the UK, making it more common than the four most prevalent types of cancer in the UK combined.
Although treatment for the condition is widely understood, researchers of the study felt there were ‘significant gaps (exist) between guideline-directed practice and clinical practice’.
The research involved the analysis of 93,000 anonymous health records obtained from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, which collates patient data from a network of GP practices throughout the UK.
Lead researcher Dr Nathalie Conrad, said “Heart failure is a severe condition and early diagnosis is crucial for doctors to rapidly initiate life-saving medications.
“Our findings suggest out-of-hospital screening for early signs of heart failure and follow-up are sub-optimal.
“And women and older patients are particularly vulnerable to these shortcomings in current heart failure care.”
Chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, said “GPs understand the importance of early diagnosis and are highly-trained to look out for the symptoms of heart disease.
“But it is notoriously difficult to diagnose in primary care as its early symptoms are often vague and can mimic more common conditions.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 738
- Like this ? Share with friends