Understanding access to SGLT2 inhibitors
Dr Dominic Taylor from the University of Bristol has recently received a grant of £18,000 to identify the barriers that certain kidney patient groups face in access to newly recommended treatments.
The problem
SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new type of medicine recommended in the NICE guidelines (evidence-based recommendations on how healthcare professionals should care for people with specific conditions) for certain patients with kidney disease. These are drugs which have recently been shown to slow down progression to kidney failure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Despite this, evidence suggests that they are not widely used, and early data have suggested that patients at the highest risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular problems are the least likely to receive SGLT2i.
In 2023 Kidney Research UK released a health economics report, highlighting the use of new medications such as SGLT2i, as one of four interventions that had the potential to save more than 10,000 lives between 2023 and 2033. We know that certain groups face social, demographic and health barriers in access to care, but we need to learn more about these factors so that the best strategies are in place for patients who could benefit from this treatment.
“Through this research we will examine how kidney patients’ socioeconomic status, location, age and ethnicity influences their access to effective SGLT2 inhibitor treatment. This will help us to plan effective ways of getting this lifesaving treatment to the people who need it most.” Dr Dominic Taylor
The solution
Dominic and the team will carefully look at healthcare data from GP practices and hospitals to see if there is a connection between social and demographic factors (such as, deprivation, ethnicity, age and gender), health factors (for example, the stage of kidney disease or other health conditions) and the likelihood of the patient being prescribed an SGLT2i.
What could this mean for kidney patients?
This work will help us to understand the barriers that certain patient groups are facing in terms of access to SGLT2i. This will help to inform the development of interventions that promote equal access to SGLT2is for patients who need them most.
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