Improving provider awareness to statin prescribing guidelines: A quality improvement project

Guidelines recommend statin therapy for all patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) due to the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. A lack of adherence to these guidelines was identified at a vascular clinic located in the southeastern United States. The aim of this nurse practitioner–led quality improvement project was to increase the percentage of patients with lower extremity PAD who were prescribed a statin medication at this clinic. Baseline data were obtained via a chart review. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model, a paper tool depicting an evidence-based algorithm was implemented in the clinic for 6 weeks to increase awareness of guidelines (PDSA cycle 1). Next, an electronic pop-up reminder was implemented in the electronic health record for the following 6 weeks (PDSA cycle 2). Data were collected throughout the process and analyzed to determine if either intervention increased the number of patients with PAD who were prescribed a statin medication. Baseline data revealed only 54.16% of patients were on a statin medication. After PDSA cycle 1, an average of 70.8% of patients were on a statin medication. PDSA cycle 2 revealed an average of 73.3% of patients were taking a statin medication. ANOVA was conducted and showed statistical significance between the groups (P = .003). There was statistical significance between baseline and implementation of the algorithm and baseline and implementation of the pop-up, but not between the 2 interventions. These findings are consistent with research suggesting algorithms and electronic reminders may increase medical staff awareness of guidelines. Standardization of these interventions enhanced provider adherence to guidelines and ultimately improved patient outcomes.