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Changes in healthcare policies can affect patient outcomes. In September 2003, the Ontario government changed a 5-year-old policy and began to allow clopidogrel dispensation for limited indications without prior authorization. Investigators employed a retrospective, population-based, time-series analysis of clopidogrel use and outcomes in patients aged ≥65 who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting for acute MI from April 2000 through March 2005.
During the prior-authorization period, only 11% of patients filled a clopidogrel prescription immediately after discharge, compared with 64% during the limited-use period. Clopidogrel use within 30 days of discharge increased from 35% to 88% after the policy change. For those who…