Effect of Visit Frequency of Pharmacist-Led Diabetes Medication Management Program

Abstract

Background: Pharmacists have a positive effect on clinical outcomes in chronic disease state management, however, few studies have evaluated the effect that frequency of visits may have on diabetes biomarkers such as hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure readings. Methods: Under the medication management program (MMP), patients with diabetes were seen monthly by pharmacists until early 2015, when time between visits was increased to every 3 months. A retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate the primary outcome of the percent change in hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure after the change in visit frequency. Results: In the 303 patients enrolled, no statistical difference existed between the pre and post average A1c (p-value = 0.10). The intermediate average A1c was statistically lower from the preintervention mean A1c (p-value = 0.001) but not from the postintervention mean A1c (p-value = 0.30). No statistical differences were seen between systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Patients who have been seen by a clinical pharmacist more frequently (every month or every other month) for several years may be able to maintain their reduction in A1c with less-frequent visits (every 3 to 6 months).

What do persons with diabetes want from community pharmacies? A qualitative study

“…It has been verified that clinical, pharmacy-led diabetes management programmes at hospitals or medicine family clinics have an impact on health outcomes. 51 , 53 , 54 However, the possible benefits or challenges of including community pharmacies in traditional routine visits as a natural part of the patients’ medical treatment has not been investigated. It is, however, well documented that community pharmacy service programmes supporting adherence have a significant effect on glycaemic control, improve medication adherence and improve blood pressure.…”

A New Case Manager for Diabetic Patients: A Pilot Observational Study of the Role of Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy Services in the Case Management of Diabetic Patients

“…Evidence regarding the involvement of pharmacists in the chronic management of type 2 diabetic patients is limited and heterogeneous, albeit positive. In general, in studies where pharmacists were involved in the diabetes care team, a significant improvement in therapeutic outcomes, and a reduction in hospitalizations and consumption of resources were observed [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. These effects are more evident when prescription abilities are ascribed to the pharmacist (an activity not allowed by Italian law).…”