INTRODUCTION OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT FOR MEDICINES IN SLOVAKIA.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to describe approaches to health technology assessment (HTA) for medicines in the Slovak healthcare system and the related decision-making processes concerning reimbursement for medicines.

Methods: Analysis of the Slovak legislative framework related to HTA and the reimbursement process for medicines was performed. Additionally, current practices of the Working Group for Pharmacoeconomics, Clinical Outcomes and Health Technology Assessment of the Slovak Ministry of Health were evaluated.

Non-persistence with antiplatelet therapy in elderly patients after a transient ischemic attack.

Background: Antiplatelet therapy following a transient ischemic attack (TIA) constitutes an important secondary prevention measure.

Aims: The study was aimed at evaluating the development of non-persistence with antiplatelet therapy in elderly patients after a TIA and identifying patient-related characteristics associated with the probability of non-persistence during the follow-up period.

Methods: The study cohort (n = 854) was selected from the database of the largest health insurance provider of the Slovak Republic.

Patient-related characteristics associated with non-persistence with statin therapy in elderly patients following an ischemic stroke.

Purpose: This study was aimed at evaluating the extent of non-persistence with statin therapy in elderly patients after an ischemic stroke and identifying patient-related characteristics that are risk factors for non-persistence.

Methods: The evaluable study cohort (n = 2748) was derived from the database of the largest health insurance provider in the Slovak Republic. Patients aged ≥65 years who were initiated on statin therapy following the diagnosis of an ischemic stroke during one full year (1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010) constituted this cohort.

Factors Influencing Non-Persistence with Antiplatelet Medications in Elderly Patients After Ischaemic Stroke.

Objectives: This study investigated the extent of, and patient-related characteristics for, non-persistence with antiplatelet therapy during follow-up in elderly patients after their first ischaemic non-cardioembolic stroke.

Methods: A database of the largest health insurance provider in the Slovak Republic was used to assemble the study cohort of 4319 patients (56.8% were women) aged ≥65 years in whom antiplatelet therapy was initiated following a hospital-based diagnosis of stroke during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.