Healthy Skepticism Library item: 11022

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Publication type: Journal Article

Dyer C.
Lawyers claim 'concession' over drug prescribing for Alzheimer's disease.
BMJ 2007 Jul 7; 335:(7609):11
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7609/11

Abstract:

NHS doctors have the discretion to prescribe dementia drugs for patients whose cognitive function scores indicate mild Alzheimer’s disease, despite guidance apparently restricting their use to patients with moderate disease, a lawyer for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) told the High Court last week.

Lawyers for the Alzheimer’s Society, which is fighting NICE guidance that limits the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to patients with moderate disease, hailed the statement as a “dramatic concession.”

But NICE said it was not a concession, but simply an explanation of how its guidance works.

“Healthcare professionals are expected to take NICE guidance fully into account when exercising their clinical judgment, but our guidance does not override their individual responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient or guardian or carer,” said a spokesman.

The clarification emerged during a High Court challenge . . .

Keywords:
Publication Types: News MeSH Terms: Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* Cholinesterase Inhibitors/supply & distribution* Great Britain Humans Legislation, Drug Practice Guidelines Prescriptions, Drug Substances: Cholinesterase Inhibitors