Considerations for pharmacoepidemiological analyses in the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has triggered several hypotheses regarding use of specific medicines and risk of infection as well as prognosis. Under these unique circumstances, rapid answers require quick engagement in data collection and analyses; however, appropriate design and conduct of pharmacoepidemiologic studies are needed to generate valid and reliable evidence. In this paper, endorsed by the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology, we provide methodological considerations for the conduct of pharmacoepidemiological studies in relation to the pandemic across eight domains: (1) timeliness of evidence, including the need to prioritise some questions over others in the acute phase of the pandemic; (2) the need to align observational and interventional research on efficacy; (3) the specific challenges related to “real‐time epidemiology” during an ongoing pandemic; (4) what design to use to answer a specific question; (5) considerations on the definition of exposures; (6) what covariates to collect; (7) considerations on the definition of outcomes; and (8) the need for transparent reporting.     

Anti‐anxiety agents: a pharmacoepidemiological review

The purpose of this review is to broaden the base for informed policy and to identify research issues to improve the utility of anti‐anxiety agents. Data quality is discussed and the prevalence of morbid anxiety and the exposure to treatment with, and abuse of, anti‐anxiety agents in different populations is presented. Findings concerning under‐treatment, quality of life and misdiagnosing are also discussed. Based on the findings of this review, controlled studies of anti‐anxiety treatments in anxious patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or other chronic somatic conditions should be prioritised. These are likely to show substantial and vital benefits by not only controlling symptoms and improving coping capacity, but also by improving social functioning and somatic disease management. Investing in improved detection and management of patients with anxious and/or depressive disorders in many forms of care will pay rapid direct and indirect dividends. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.