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BMC Medical Research Methodology
Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Antitussive | Research

Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis (PSSA) to assess prescribing cascades: a step-by-step guide

Authors: Mandy R. S. Hendrix, Mustafa Yasar, Atiya K. Mohammad, Jacqueline G. Hugtenburg, Joost W. Vanhommerig, Ruveyda Gündoğan-Yilmaz, Patricia M. L. A. van den Bemt, Petra Denig, Fatma Karapinar-Carkıt

Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Prescribing cascades occur when patients are prescribed medication to treat the adverse drug reaction of previously prescribed medication. Prescription sequence symmetry analysis (PSSA) can be used to assess the association between two medications in prescription or dispensing databases and thus the potential occurrence of prescribing cascades. In this article, a step-by-step guide is presented for conducting PSSA to assess prescribing cascades. We describe considerations for medication data collection and setting time periods for relevant parameters, including washout window, exposure window, continued exposure interval and blackout period. With two examples, we illustrate the impact of changes in these parameters on the strengths of associations observed. Given the impact seen, we recommend that researchers clearly specify and explain all considerations regarding medication included and time windows set when studying prescribing cascades with PSSA, and conduct subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
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Metadata
Title
Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis (PSSA) to assess prescribing cascades: a step-by-step guide
Authors
Mandy R. S. Hendrix
Mustafa Yasar
Atiya K. Mohammad
Jacqueline G. Hugtenburg
Joost W. Vanhommerig
Ruveyda Gündoğan-Yilmaz
Patricia M. L. A. van den Bemt
Petra Denig
Fatma Karapinar-Carkıt
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Antitussive
Published in
BMC Medical Research Methodology / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-023-02108-y

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