PCSK9 inhibitors: A qualitative study exploring patient experience v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin/type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor: A qualitative study exploring the patient experience of a new lipid lowering treatment.
IRAS ID
256313
Contact name
Mary O'Toole
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
There is a well-established link between elevated blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, this risk factor is largely modifiable with adjustment to diet and lifestyle and the introduction of lipid lowering medication. For the past 30 years, a type of medication known as statins, have provided the most clinically effective treatment for reducing cholesterol levels. However, in 2016 a new type of cholesterol lowering treatment received approval from National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). PCSK9 inhibitors are an inject-able cholesterol-lowering medication, recommended for individuals who meet the specified criteria. Large scale international studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of this treatment however, there is very little published data that considers the patient experience of treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors and the impact it may have.
A small-scale qualitative study has been designed to explore the views of patients who have been receiving treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors for between three to six months and it is intended that by conducting a focus group, the researcher will gain an insight into the patient experience of this treatment. This could enable greater access to PCSK9 inhibitors by individuals currently not eligible, and inform future prescribing decisions.
Participants will be eligible to take part in the study if they are approaching the six-month PCSK9 inhibitor, clinical review appointment. They will be sent information about the study and asked to respond by post, e-mail or telephone if they wish to take part. The researcher will then invite participants to attend a one hour focus group to discuss their experience of receiving treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors. The data will then be transcribed and analysed for recurring themes.REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0079
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion