Background Oral contraceptives (ACOs) have been associated with an increase in thromboembolic events (TE) in women. TE severity and wide use of ACOs make it necessary to promote further studies.

Purpose To estimate the incidence of exposure to treatment with ACOs in hospitalised women diagnosed with TE. To describe treatment related risk factors associated with TE. To determinate causality and severity of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of TE related to ACOs therapy. To communicate ADRs not reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

Material and methods This was a descriptive retrospective observational study. Cases of TE in women (15–49 years) were identified in a tertiary hospital from January 2013 to June 2015. Those who had taken ACOs we presentation of each indicator were based on the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organisations’ recommendations.

Results 27 prescription quality indicators in the socio-sanitary sector for antihypertensive medication in elderly patients were made. The type of indicators made were process indicators, which showed what should be done to prevent safety problems and to guarantee pharmacotherapeutic quality. They were mainly related to treatment, initial evaluation and its monitoring. At the same time, these indicators were classified into 5 sections: initial treatment evaluation (ie, lifestyle changes and pharmacologic treatment indication); contraindications (beta-adrenergic blockers, diuretics, calcium antagonists, alpha adrenergic blocking agents, ACEI and ARB); evaluation of treatment strategy (ie, initial doses, response to treatment, therapeutic strategy); treatment in special situations (ie, diabetes mellitus, proteinuria, osteoporosis); and monitoring (ie, dose reduction and treatment suppression, adherence and treatment follow-up).

Conclusion The prescription quality indicators for antihypertensive therapy in institutionalised elderly which have been prepared will constitute a useful tool, easy to use in clinical practice for the expert pharmacist in the socio-sanitary field, as all the most important aspects of antihypertensive therapy have been considered in this clinical setting, in addition to the most up to date recommendations from the leading CPG.

References and/or acknowledgements European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice, 2016.

ACCF/AHA 2011 Expert Consensus Document on Hypertension in the Elderly.