Economic evaluations using Real World Data (RWD) has been increasing in the very recent years, however, this source of information has several advantages and limitations. The aim of this review was to assess the quality of full economic evaluations (EE) developed using RWD. A systematic review was carried out through articles from the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Included were studies that employed RWD for both costs and effectiveness. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Of the 14,011 studies identified, 93 were included. Roughly half of the studies were carried out in a hospital setting. The most frequently assessed illnesses were neoplasms while the most evaluated interventions were pharmacological. The main source of costs and effects of RWD were information systems. The most frequent clinical outcome was survival. Some 47% of studies met at least 80% of CHEERS criteria. Studies were conducted with samples of 100–1000 patients or more, were randomized, and those that reported bias controls were those that fulfilled most CHEERS criteria. In conclusion, fewer than half the studies met 80% of the CHEERS checklist criteria.

Background: Adherence problems have negative effects on health, but there is little information on the magnitude of non-initiation and single dispensing. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of non-initiation and single dispensation and identify associated predictive factors for the main treatments prescribed in Primary Care (PC) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Methods: Cohort study with real-world data. Patients who received a first prescription (2013–2014) for insulins, platelet aggregation inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or statins in Catalan PC were included. The prevalence of non-initiation and single dispensation was calculated. Factors that explained these behaviours were explored. Results: At three months, between 5.7% (ACEI) and 9.1% (antiplatelets) of patients did not initiate their treatment and between 10.6% (statins) and 18.4% (ACEI) filled a single prescription. Body mass index, previous CVD, place of origin and having a substitute prescriber, among others, influenced the risk of non-initiation and single dispensation. Conclusions: The prevalence of non-initiation and single dispensation of CVD medications and insulin prescribed in PC in is high. Patient and health-system factors, such as place of origin and type of prescriber, should be taken into consideration when prescribing new medications for CVD and diabetes.

Introduction: The use of medication has increased in recent years in the US while the use of dietary supplements has remained stable but high. Interactions between these two kinds of products may have important consequences, especially in the case of widely used medications such as antihypertensives and antibiotics. The aim of this paper is to estimate the prevalence of potentially serious drug–dietary supplement interactions among tetracyclines, thiazides, and angiotensin II receptor blocker users by means of the NHANES 2013–2014 dataset. Methods: Data from 2013–2014 NHANES were obtained. Potential interactions analysed were tetracyclines with calcium, magnesium, and zinc, thiazides with vitamin D, and angiotensin II receptors blockers with potassium. Prevalence was calculated for each potential interaction. Logistic regression was used to assess associated factors. Results: 864 prescriptions issued to 820 patients were analysed. Overall prevalence of potential interaction was 49%. Older age and higher educational level were strongly associated with being at risk of a potential interaction. Factors such as age, race, civil status, citizenship, country of birth, BMI, and physical activity did not show notable associations. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals should be aware of other medical products when they prescribe or dispense a medication or a dietary supplement, especially to the older population and people with a higher educational level.

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