Abstract
Aim:
To audit an adverse event in an asthmatic patient, namely, the prescription of a β-blocker.
Method:
Significant event auditing, and Medline and EMBASE/Excerpta Medica literature searches,
Results:
Fourteen asthmatics (3.3% of the asthmatics on the practice list) were identified as ever having received a β-blocker. In all cases the history of asthma pre-dated the prescription of the β-blocker. These data and results of the literature search lead to discussion of the medicolegal implications of the event and possible changes to future management.
Conclusions:
A significant event audit can provide an appropriate forum for reviewing care of an asthmatic patient. β-blockers are still prescribed for asthmatics despite the well known hazards, and the incidence of this is probably under-reported. The literature suggests that no β-blocker can be safely started in an asthmatic patient in general practice.
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Clark, C. Are β-blockers ever safe in asthma?. Prim Care Respir J 8, 7–8 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/pcrj.2000.3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pcrj.2000.3