A computer glitch in a system used to calculate the risks of cardiovascular diseases has resulted in thousands of GP practices across the UK issuing incorrect advice over the use of cholesterol-lowering medication, statins.
The bug in the QRISK2 system that calculates risks using factors such as blood pressure, weight, health problems, and family medical history, helps GP’s advise patients for prescriptions. It has been discovered that results produced as far back as 2009 may have been overstated or understated, meaning patients needing the medication may have been advised not to take it, and patients not needing it may be using it.
It’s a serious error that may have left thousands at risk of serious cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes because GP’s may have advised they don’t need statins having relied on the results of the computer systems. On the opposing side of things there may be people using the medication when they don’t need to, which puts them at risk of suffering the known side effects such as depression, fatigue, muscular pain, diabetes, and memory problems.
Whilst evidence and research generally accepts that the benefits of using the medication outweigh the risks, with use of the medication generally seen as good, the side effects of people using it when they don’t need it at all is a real concern.
With the statins medication errors dating as far back as 2009, the damage may already have been done for many. There may also have been fatalities or serious complications from side effects as a result of prescription errors.
The news of the problem has understandably knocked GP and patient confidence in the use of systems and the advice people receive. It also raises the question as to whether there are other glitches in systems used for medical advice which has led to other incorrect advice as well, and perhaps we will soon find out.
Have you been affected by the statins computer glitch?
One in three GP practices use the affected software and surgeries are being provided with lists of patients to contact. If you have been affected by the problem and have suffered as a result then our specialist lawyers are here to help.
We have extensive experience in representing victims for medical and produce negligence claims, as well as group action cases and major / complex ligations. You can contact us for help 0800 634 7575 today.
