Supporting appropriate use of extended dual antiplatelet therapy post-myocardial infarction based on an innovative 12-month ticagrelor virtual service.

Purpose: Extended dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ticagrelor and aspirin is recommended in selected cases after myocardial infarction (MI) but not widely deployed in practice. This study assessed an innovative, cardiology pharmacist-led virtual service for determining eligibility for extended DAPT among patients completing 12 months of initial DAPT in primary care following MI.

Methods: Within this model, potentially eligible individuals are reviewed virtually by a cardiology pharmacist for suitability for extended DAPT with reduced-dose ticagrelor [60 mg twice daily (BD)] for up to 3 years.

Healthcare professionals' perspectives on the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in cardiovascular disease: an in-depth qualitative study.

Aims: Injectable medicines such as PCSK9 inhibitors are increasingly used to manage risk factors for cardiovascular events with little information around the perceptions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the administrative and clinical practicalities. The aim was to identify the facilitators and barriers on the use of injectable therapies with cardiovascular benefits through interviews with HCPs.

Methods And Results: Qualitative interviews were conducted in the UK (London and Leeds) and Italy (Rome and Milan) in 2021.

Patients' perceptions on the facilitators and barriers using injectable therapies in dyslipidaemia: An empirical qualitative descriptive international study.

Background: Injectable medicines are increasingly used to manage abnormal levels of lipids, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. Enhancing our understanding of patients' perceptions of these injectables, can inform practice with the aim of increasing uptake and medication adherence.

Aim: To explore patient's experiences of using injectables and to identify potential facilitators and barriers to using injectable therapies in dyslipidaemia.

Innovative, centralised, multidisciplinary medicines optimisation clinic for PCSK9 inhibitors.

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9is) are an important but underutilised option to help optimise lipid management. We developed a new service to improve patient access to these medicines in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations. This paper describes the model and provides lipid-lowering results and feedback from the first 100 referred patients.

Perceptions of injectable therapies with cardiovascular benefit: an ACNAP survey of healthcare professionals to explore facilitators and barriers.

Aims: Injectable medicines are increasingly used to manage risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) events, such as dyslipidaemia and diabetes. These include proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Little is known about perceptions of injectable therapies among CV healthcare professionals (HCPs).