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Ayogu EE, Yahaya RI, Isah A, Ubaka CM. Effectiveness of a pharmacist-led educational intervention on health outcomes in hypertension management at community pharmacies in Nigeria: A two-arm parallel single-blind randomized controlled trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:649-659. [PMID: 36031952 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study determined the impact of a pharmacist-led educational intervention on the health outcomes of hypertensive patients in community pharmacies. METHODS A 2-arm parallel single-blind randomized trial design was adopted among hypertensive patients in 4 pharmacies in Abuja and Lokoja, Nigeria. A pharmacist-led educational intervention was provided to the patients in the intervention group. The study outcomes, namely changes in adherence to medication, quality of life and cost of medication were measured using MARS-10, SF-12 and official price list, respectively. Independent and paired-sample t-tests were conducted on the data. RESULTS A total of 128 patients participated in the study. All of them completed the study and were included in the analysis: 70 in the control arm and 58 in the intervention arm. There was a significant improvement in components of Behaviour (2.57 vs. 2.98), Attitude (2.59 vs. 3.14) and Negative attitude (1.62 vs. 1.92). There was a better improvement in adherence in the intervention arm: 8.05 ± 1.32 vs. 6.55 ± 2.24; t = -4.65, P = .0001. There were no changes in the respondents' health status after intervention in both groups (P < .05). There was a weak inverse association between the physical health component and mental health component: R = -0.2, P = .04 and a positive association with overall adherence (R = 0.26, P = .004) in the intervention group, in whom the monthly cost of treatment decreased from N2233.1 to N2068.4. CONCLUSION Community pharmacy educational intervention improves health outcomes, particularly with adherence among patients with hypertension. Health-related quality of life of the patients improved, but the physical health component was better than that of the mental health component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebere Emilia Ayogu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Rahmat Isa Yahaya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Abdulmuminu Isah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuemeka Michael Ubaka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Goswami S, Rosenthal M, Nair S, Inguva S, Al Hamarneh YN, Tsuyuki RT. Retrospective Application of the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) Framework to Promote Future Implementation Success in Community Pharmacy Clinical Interventions. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1631-1637.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Stone R, Oganesyan A, Marco N, Smith R, Hoffman J. The Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Hypertension Medication Management Program on Older People in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Sr Care Pharm 2022; 37:62-72. [PMID: 35082011 DOI: 10.4140/tcp.n.2022.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective To illustrate the impact of a pharmacist-led hypertension medication management program on skilled nursing facility residents. Design Sixteen-week retrospective, observational study. Setting Long-term care, local skilled nursing facility. Patients, Participants Subjects with a diagnosis of hypertension and treated with at least one antihypertensive medication were identified using electronic health records. The subjects also needed to be enrolled in the Hypertension Medication Management Program, and were excluded if receiving hospice or psychiatric treatment or had active infection with COVID-19. Initially, 120 residents were eligible with 54 in an intervention and 66 in a control group. At 16-weeks, a total of 67 residents remained after some were lost to follow-up. Interventions Under a collaborative practice agreement, a pharmacist optimized medications, ordered monitoring of vital signs, and relevant labs in conjunction with standard physician care (intervention): these subjects were compared to those who received standard physician care alone (control). Results There was a significant difference in the proportion of subjects who attained treatment goals for diastolic BP, but not for systolic BP or mean arterial pressure. The proportion of subjects in the intervention group who had falls, hospitalization or death was not significantly different between groups. diastolic pressure (90.9% and 38.0%; P < 0.0001; 86.7% and 32.4%; P < 0.0001) but not for systolic and mean arterial pressure at 8 and 16 weeks. For secondary endpoints, there was clinical significance in de-prescribing incidence (P < 0.0001) but not for fall events, hospitalizations, and death. However, control group had 11% more falls and 1.2% more hospitalizations. Conclusion A pharmacist-led hypertension program appeared to impact skilled nursing facility residents by allowing attainment of maintaining diastolic blood pressure, goals de-prescribing events, and reducing fall incidence and hospitalization. The intervention has the potential to promote de-prescribing but does not appear to have increased the prevalence of serious adverse outcomes relative to standard practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stone
- 1 Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | | | | | - Rick Smith
- 2 Los Angeles Jewish Home, Reseda, California
| | - Janice Hoffman
- 1 Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
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Choi E, Lee IH. Relational continuity of care in community pharmacy: A systematic review. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e39-e50. [PMID: 34060170 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Relational continuity of care (COC) is becoming an important concept related to improving healthcare quality, reducing medical costs and increasing patient satisfaction with primary care. While community pharmacy (CP) has a considerable role in primary care, there are few reports dedicated to the role of relational COC in CP. This study reviewed the existing evidence of relational COC in CP and its effect on patients. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library CENTRAL and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant studies from the date of database inception through to January 2021, which were appraised according to eligibility criteria. There were no limitations on the primary outcome or language. Case reports and studies without control groups were excluded. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. Database searches identified 13 records. Relational COC measures in the included studies were grouped in three kinds; pharmacy-visiting pattern, Continuity of Care Index and loyalty. The assessed outcomes were medication adherence behaviour (e.g., the proportion of days covered, medication possession ratio), adverse drug reactions, potentially inappropriate drug prescribing and clinical outcomes. The odds of patients adhering to their medication regimen were about 1.1~2.5 times higher among those who consistently visited a single pharmacy compared to patients visiting multiple pharmacies. Additionally, the care provision with a high level of relational continuity could lower inappropriate drug use by 21~32 per cent and the use of other costly services by 12~29 per cent. This study suggests that a high degree of relational COC in CP could improve safe use of medications among patients. Future research is needed to employ more rigorous methods to reduce heterogeneity and to measure effects on clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Iyn-Hyang Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
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Li Y, Liu G, Liu C, Wang X, Chu Y, Li X, Yang W, Shen Y, Wu F, Zhang W. Effects of Pharmacist Intervention on Community Control of Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Zunyi, China. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021; 9:890-904. [PMID: 34933984 PMCID: PMC8691874 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-20-00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to test the effects of pharmacist intervention on the community control of hypertension through a comparative randomized controlled trial. METHODS We recruited adult hypertensive patients with comorbidity or confusion with medication (n=636) from 2 community health centers in Zunyi, China. They were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups. Both groups received the usual care and participated in the community systematic management program of hypertension. Participants in the intervention group were given interventions from pharmacists, including a monthly review of medications, patient education, and medication adjustment advice to medical doctors over 6 months. Participants' blood pressure was assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Participants' knowledge and medication adherence were measured using a questionnaire before and after the trial. RESULTS Compared to the control group (n=298), a significantly higher percentage of participants in the intervention group (n=290) had their blood pressure under control 3 months (46.9% vs. 38.3%, P=.034) and 6 months (60.7% vs. 40.9%, P<.001) after the interventions. Difference-in-differences analyses showed that the pharmacist intervention resulted in an increase in knowledge scores by 12.55 points (P<.001), a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 6.65 mmHg (P=.001), and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure by 7.26 mmHg (P<.001) compared to the controls after adjustment for variations in potential confounding factors. The odds of participants passing the hypertension knowledge tests in the intervention group was 4.45 times those in the control group (P<.001). Similarly, it was found that the intervention group had higher odds of not needing any medication adjustments (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.75, P<.001) and having their blood pressure under control (AOR=2.18, P=.002) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION It is evident that pharmacist intervention has significant short-term effects on improving the knowledge and medication adherence of hypertensive patients, as well as timely medication adjustments from medical doctors, resulting in lowered blood pressure and an increased control rate. Further studies should explore the long-term sustainability of the effects of community pharmacist intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqin Liu
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chaojie Liu
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne VIC 3086, Australia.
| | - Xianhong Wang
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalin Chu
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhao Yang
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yewei Shen
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wu
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzhi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
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Fathima M, Bawa Z, Mitchell B, Foster J, Armour C, Saini B. COPD Management in Community Pharmacy Results in Improved Inhaler Use, Immunization Rate, COPD Action Plan Ownership, COPD Knowledge, and Reductions in Exacerbation Rates. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2021; 16:519-533. [PMID: 33688177 PMCID: PMC7936701 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s288792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot community pharmacy care model for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to improve: 1) inhaler technique; 2) medication adherence; and 3) uptake of non-pharmacological treatment and prevention activities. Patients and Methods Forty "host" pharmacies in Sydney were invited to recruit eligible patients and to provide a counselling room/area in their pharmacy for service provision. Eligible patients were referred to two "consultant" pharmacists, specifically trained to deliver a specialized pharmacy COPD service which involved 3 in-pharmacy visits and 2 follow-up phone calls over a 6-month period. The service consisted of 1) inhaler technique assessment; 2) medication adherence assessment; and 3) referrals to the patient's general practitioner (GP) to facilitate the uptake of non-pharmacological resources as well as to review COPD medications/devices, as required. Pre-post analyses were conducted using paired Student's t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for independent variables and chi-squared tests for proportional data. Results Nine "host" pharmacies recruited 40 patients, of whom 37 completed the baseline Visit and 27 completed all Visits. A total of 270 interventions were provided by the "consultant" pharmacists with most provided at Visit 1 (176). The most common interventions were addressing patient gaps in COPD knowledge and inhaler technique. A total of 119 referrals were made to GPs for various reasons, the most common being for a COPD action plan, pulmonary rehabilitation, or pneumonia vaccination. There were significant improvements pre-post intervention in inhaler use competence, COPD knowledge, immunization rate for pneumonia, exacerbation rate and COPD plan ownership. Conclusion In this pilot study, the specialized pharmacy-based COPD care model delivered by "consultant" pharmacists in community pharmacies provided significant health benefits for patients. Further research is needed to assess the model's effectiveness in a larger population as well as when measured against standard care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Fathima
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zeeta Bawa
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bernadette Mitchell
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Juliet Foster
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carol Armour
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bandana Saini
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Granata N, Traversoni S, Kardas P, Kurczewska-Michalak M, Costa E, Midão L, Giardini A. Methodological features of quantitative studies on medication adherence in older patients with chronic morbidity: A systematic review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:2132-2141. [PMID: 32402488 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The growing number of chronic, multimorbid older adults encourages healthcare systems to cope with polypharmacy and non-adherence. However, methodology on how to provide effective interventions to enhance medication adherence is still object of debate. METHODS To describe methodological features of quantitative studies concerning older adults' medication adherence, by means of a PRISMA systematic review (Scopus, PubMed, Medline). A specific focus was devoted to theoretical models and to the ABC Taxonomy model, as stated by the EMERGE guidelines. RESULTS 55 papers were included. Most of the studies were conducted using randomized control trials (63.6%) and focused on a single disease only (72.7%). Most of the interventions were provided by a single professional figure (70.9%). Medication adherence was mainly evaluated by means of questionnaires (61.8%) and by clinical records (30.9%). Sixteen studies considered a theoretical model in the intervention framework. The Initiation phase (ABC Taxonomy) was the most neglected. CONCLUSIONS Future studies upon medication adherence should account real-life challenges such as multimorbidity, polypharmacy and interdisciplinarity, analyzing adherence as a complex, holistic process. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Theoretical models may be useful to enhance the soundness of the results, to ease their comparability, to calibrate tailored strategies and to plan patient-centered interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Granata
- Psychology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS, Istituto di Montescano, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Traversoni
- Psychology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS, Istituto di Montescano, Pavia, Italy
| | - Przemysław Kardas
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Elísio Costa
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Faculty of Pharmacy and Porto4Ageing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Midão
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Faculty of Pharmacy and Porto4Ageing, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anna Giardini
- Psychology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCSS, Istituto di Montescano, Pavia, Italy.
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8
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Li H, Powell V, Tsapepas D. Expanding Pharmacy Services With an Intern Program at an Academic Medical Center. J Pharm Pract 2020; 35:57-61. [PMID: 32815470 DOI: 10.1177/0897190020949425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organizations that implement pharmacy services to provide patient education have reduced hospital readmissions and improved the patient experience. The term "pharmacy extender" has been used to describe pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students who alleviate the workload of a pharmacist, enhance pharmacy visibility throughout an organization, and foster professional development for the individual. OBJECTIVE The objective of this pharmacy intern-driven program is to increase pharmacy reach for medication teaching. METHODS This is a single-center, IRB-approved retrospective cohort analysis. Pharmacist-led medication teaching is currently available to select high-risk populations including solid organ transplant and bone marrow transplant recipients at our organization. Clinicians working in the pharmacy satellites have structured operational and distributional workflow responsibilities, which precludes them from directly engaging with patients. Pharmacy interns can serve as extenders that can participate in medication teaching. An internally created digital medication teaching tool will be employed to expand the pharmacy reach for medication education. RESULTS During the period of study, the pharmacy interns screened 3,993 patients and educated 2,868 patients. Two-thirds of the pharmacy interns that participated in the program pursued post-graduate residency or fellowship training, while the rest assumed hospital pharmacist positions. CONCLUSION Deploying pharmacy interns as extenders for distribution of an internally created digital tool that provides general medication teaching has shown positive outcomes including greater pharmacy presence and visibility, better patient experience, and higher patient satisfaction. Continuous data collection and monitoring are warranted to demonstrate the benefits of the program once sustained and potentially justify more resources for further expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vickie Powell
- Department of Pharmacy, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Demetra Tsapepas
- Department of Pharmacy, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Transplantation, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Buis LR, Roberson DN, Kadri R, Rockey NG, Plegue MA, Danak SU, Guetterman TC, Johnson MG, Choe HM, Richardson CR. Understanding the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy of a Clinical Pharmacist-led Mobile Approach (BPTrack) to Hypertension Management: Mixed Methods Pilot Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e19882. [PMID: 32780026 PMCID: PMC7448180 DOI: 10.2196/19882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a prevalent and costly burden in the United States. Clinical pharmacists within care teams provide effective management of hypertension, as does home blood pressure monitoring; however, concerns about data quality and latency are widespread. One approach to close the gap between clinical pharmacist intervention and home blood pressure monitoring is the use of mobile health (mHealth) technology. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of BPTrack, a clinical pharmacist-led intervention that incorporates patient- and clinician-facing apps to make electronically collected, patient-generated data available to providers in real time for hypertension management. The patient app also included customizable daily medication reminders and educational messages. Additionally, this study sought to understand barriers to adoption and areas for improvement identified by key stakeholders, so more widespread use of such interventions may be achieved. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods pilot study of BPTrack, to improve blood pressure control in patients with uncontrolled hypertension through a 12-week pre-post intervention. All patients were recruited from a primary care setting where they worked with a clinical pharmacist for hypertension management. Participants completed a baseline visit, then spent 12 weeks utilizing BPTrack before returning to the clinic for follow-up. Collected data from patient participants included surveys pre- and postintervention, clinical measures (for establishing effectiveness, with the primary outcome being a change in blood pressure and the secondary outcome being a change in medication adherence), utilization of the BPTrack app, interviews at follow-up, and chart review. We also conducted interviews with key stakeholders. RESULTS A total of 15 patient participants were included (13 remained through follow-up for an 86.7% retention rate) in a single group, pre-post assessment pilot study. Data supported the hypothesis that BPTrack was feasible and acceptable for use by patient and provider participants and was effective at reducing patient blood pressure. At the 12-week follow-up, patients exhibited significant reductions in both systolic blood pressure (baseline mean 137.3 mm Hg, SD 11.1 mm Hg; follow-up mean 131.0 mm Hg, SD 9.9 mm Hg; P=.02) and diastolic blood pressure (baseline mean 89.4 mm Hg, SD 7.7 mm Hg; follow-up mean 82.5 mm Hg, SD 8.2 mm Hg; P<.001). On average, patients uploaded at least one blood pressure measurement on 75% (SD 25%) of study days. No improvements in medication adherence were noted. Interview data revealed areas of improvement and refinement for the patient experience. Furthermore, stakeholders require integration into the electronic health record and a modified clinical workflow for BPTrack to be truly useful; however, both patients and stakeholders perceived benefits of BPTrack when used within the context of a clinical relationship. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate that a pharmacist-led mHealth intervention promoting home blood pressure monitoring and clinical pharmacist management of hypertension can be effective at reducing blood pressure in primary care patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Our data also support the feasibility and acceptability of these types of interventions for patients and providers. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02898584; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02898584. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/resprot.8059.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine R Buis
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Dana N Roberson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Reema Kadri
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Nicole G Rockey
- Pharmacy Innovations and Partnerships, University of Michigan Medical Group, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Melissa A Plegue
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Shivang U Danak
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Timothy C Guetterman
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Melanie G Johnson
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Hae Mi Choe
- Pharmacy Innovations and Partnerships, University of Michigan Medical Group, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Reeves L, Robinson K, McClelland T, Adedoyin CA, Broeseker A, Adunlin G. Pharmacist Interventions in the Management of Blood Pressure Control and Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Pharm Pract 2020; 34:480-492. [PMID: 32067555 DOI: 10.1177/0897190020903573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pharmacists are ideally positioned to promote optimal use and assess the adherence of prescription medications in patients with chronic diseases. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ascertains the effectiveness of pharmacist interventions to improve blood pressure (BP) control and medication adherence in patients with hypertension. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases were searched for studies in English published between January 1, 1995, and January 31, 2018. Eligibility criteria included patients with a diagnosis of hypertension tested with RCT where pharmacist-led interventions occurred. The primary outcome was BP control and the secondary outcome was adherence to hypertensive medication. Quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. DATA SYNTHESIS Thirty-five studies met the inclusion-exclusion criteria and were included in this study. Major themes included pharmacist-led interventions with medication counseling, patient education, distribution of interventions materials, individualized care plans, and check-in meetings. The vast majority of trials (n = 29) showed statistically significant improvement in BP in the intervention groups at follow-up. Of the 35 studies, most (n = 20) assessed medication adherence; several trials (n = 9) showed statistically significant improvement in medication adherence in patients receiving additional pharmaceutical care services. None of the RCTs was considered to have a high risk of bias. CONCLUSION Pharmacist-led interventions improved BP control and medication adherence through education, counseling, or a combination of both. Future research is needed to determine the most effective pharmacists' interventions in managing hypertension and to assess the cost-effectiveness of these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon Reeves
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 1744Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kristian Robinson
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 1744Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Taylor McClelland
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 1744Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Christson A Adedoyin
- Department of Social Work, School of Public Health, 1744Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Amy Broeseker
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 1744Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Georges Adunlin
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 1744Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
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11
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Martínez-Mardones F, Fernandez-Llimos F, Benrimoj SI, Ahumada-Canale A, Plaza-Plaza JC, S Tonin F, Garcia-Cardenas V. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Medication Reviews Conducted by Pharmacists on Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors in Ambulatory Care. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e013627. [PMID: 31711390 PMCID: PMC6915276 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Pharmacists‐led medication reviews (MRs) are claimed to be effective for the control of cardiovascular diseases; however, the evidence in the literature is conflicting. The main objective of this meta‐analysis was to analyze the impact of pharmacist‐led MRs on cardiovascular disease risk factors overall and in different ambulatory settings while exploring the effects of different components of MRs. Methods and Results Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials database. Randomized and cluster randomized controlled trials of pharmacist‐led MRs compared with usual care were included. Settings were community pharmacies and ambulatory clinics. The classification used for MRs was the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe as basic (type 1), intermediate (type 2), and advanced (type 3). Meta‐analyses in therapeutic goals used odds ratios to standardize the effect of each study, and for continuous data (eg, systolic blood pressure) raw differences were calculated using baseline and final values, with 95% CIs. Prediction intervals were calculated to account for heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of results. Meta‐analyses included 69 studies with a total of 11 644 patients. Sample demographic characteristics were similar between studies. MRs increased control of hypertension (odds ratio, 2.73; 95% prediction interval, 1.05–7.08), type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 3.11; 95% prediction interval, 1.17–5.88), and high cholesterol (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% prediction interval, 1.05–3.46). In ambulatory clinics, MRs produced significant effects in control of diabetes mellitus and cholesterol. For community pharmacies, systolic blood pressure and low‐density lipoprotein values decreased significantly. Advanced MRs had larger effects than intermediate MRs in diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia outcomes. Most intervention components had no significant effect on clinical outcomes and were often poorly described. CIs were significant in all analyses but prediction intervals were not in continuous clinical outcomes, with high heterogeneity present. Conclusions Intermediate and advanced MRs provided by pharmacists may improve control of blood pressure, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as statistically significant prediction intervals were found. However, most continuous clinical outcomes failed to achieve statistical significance, with high heterogeneity present, although positive trends and effect sizes were found. Studies should use a standardized method for MRs to diminish sources of these heterogeneities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando Fernandez-Llimos
- Institute for Medicines Research (iMed.ULisboa) Department of Social Pharmacy Faculty of Pharmacy University of Lisbon Portugal
| | - Shalom I Benrimoj
- Member of the Pharmaceutical Care Research Group University of Granada Faculty of Pharmacy Campus Universitario Cartuja Granada Spain
| | | | | | - Fernanda S Tonin
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Programme Federal University of Paraná Curitiba Brazil
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12
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Peasah SK, Granitz K, Vu M, Jacob B. Effectiveness of a Student Pharmacist-Led Telephone Follow-Up Intervention to Improve Hemoglobin A 1C in Diabetic Patients. J Pharm Pract 2019; 33:832-837. [PMID: 31238785 DOI: 10.1177/0897190019857409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a student pharmacist-led telephone follow-up intervention to improve hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in diabetic patients. METHODS This was a prospective, randomized, pilot study to implement a telephone follow-up intervention for diabetic patients with HbA1c ≥7%. Patients were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. All patients received standard of care. Patients in the intervention group additionally received weekly phone calls from a student pharmacist for 12 weeks to encourage medication adherence. HbA1c at baseline and end of study were measured and the data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Analysis included descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model to assess the association between the end of study and baseline HbA1c while controlling for demographics. RESULTS Seventy-eight patients participated and the average age was 62 (±11) years. Baseline HbA1c was 8.2% (±1.4%) in the intervention group and 7.9% (±1.3%) in the control group. HbA1c decreased by 0.35% in the intervention group (P = .027) and increased by 0.338% in the control group (P = .013). The end of study HbA1c were higher in the control group even after controlling for baseline HbA1cs (0.5547, P value .002) in the regression model. CONCLUSION Incorporating student pharmacists in physician offices to provide clinical care services could lead to improved patient outcomes and students' clinical and research skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K Peasah
- 15473Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathryn Granitz
- 15473Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michelle Vu
- 15473Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bobby Jacob
- 15473Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Abdulrhim SH, Saleh RA, Mohamed Hussain MA, Al Raey H, Babiker AH, Kheir N, Awaisu A. Impact of a Collaborative Pharmaceutical Care Service Among Patients With Diabetes in an Ambulatory Care Setting in Qatar: A Multiple Time Series Study. Value Health Reg Issues 2019; 19:45-50. [PMID: 30875638 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in the Middle East and the burden associated with it is dramatically increasing. Pharmacists working in collaborative healthcare teams have an important role to improve outcomes in the primary care of diabetes. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of a collaborative pharmaceutical care service (CPCS) on improving outcomes among patients with diabetes in a primary care setting. METHODS This was a retrospective, multiple time series study involving patients attending an ambulatory diabetes clinic at Qatar Petroleum Healthcare Center in Dukhan, Qatar. Patients' glycated hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profile were obtained at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months of receiving CPCS through a retrospective chart review. A repeated-measures analysis of variance test was used to determine the impact of the intervention on clinical outcomes. RESULTS Ninety-six patients with diabetes were included in the analyses. There was a statistically significant reduction (ie, improvement) in glycated hemoglobin A1c by 1.4%, fasting plasma glucose by 41.3 mg/dL, body mass index by 1 kg/m2, systolic blood pressure by 14.9 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure by 8.7 mm Hg from baseline to 12 months (P<.001 for all). Nevertheless, no significant reductions were observed in the lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS CPCS provision improves clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes over a 12-month follow-up period in a primary healthcare setting. Future studies should determine the long-term impact of a collaborative care model in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hend Al Raey
- Pharmacy Department, Qatar Petroleum Healthcare Center, Dukhan, Qatar
| | | | - Nadir Kheir
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ahmed Awaisu
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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14
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Sitbon M, Corny J, Beaussier H, Bézie Y. The effect of partial patients' adherence to antihypertensive drugs: scope for pharmacists' role in hypertension care. Int J Clin Pharm 2018; 40:1-2. [PMID: 29116462 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-017-0557-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In many individuals, blood pressure varies between clinic visits conducted days, weeks, or months apart. This visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of blood pressure has been recently related with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and mortality, independently of mean blood pressure. As for other chronical diseases, patients' adherence to hypertensive therapies remains low and partial adherence to antihypertensive treatment may constitute a source of VVV, as suggested by recent studies. This data should lead to a new clinical approach for hypertension care, based on patients' real adherence to treatment. Therapeutic strategies should include patients' adherence. In this context, the role of community pharmacists for patients' follow-up of hypertension should be reinforced, as they represent efficient and easily accessible health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Sitbon
- Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
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15
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Aquilina A, Wirth F, Attard Pizzuto M, Grech L, Camilleri L, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Preparing for pharmacist prescribing in Maltese hospitals. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jphs.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Aquilina
- Department of Pharmacy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - Francesca Wirth
- Department of Pharmacy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - Maresca Attard Pizzuto
- Department of Pharmacy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - Louise Grech
- Department of Pharmacy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - Liberato Camilleri
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research; Faculty of Science; University of Malta; Msida Malta
| | - Lilian M. Azzopardi
- Department of Pharmacy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; University of Malta; Msida Malta
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16
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Erku DA, Ayele AA, Mekuria AB, Belachew SA, Hailemeskel B, Tegegn HG. The impact of pharmacist-led medication therapy management on medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled study. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2017; 15:1026. [PMID: 28943985 PMCID: PMC5597801 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2017.03.1026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Poor adherence to antidiabetic medications leads to a higher rate of hospital admissions and adverse health outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate whether a pharmacist-led medication therapy management, compared to the usual care, could enhance medication adherence and reduce hospital admission in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from February 1 to July 30, 2016. Patients in the control group (n=65) received the usual care while patients in the intervention group (n=62) received a personalized pharmacotherapeutic care plan and diabetes education. The two groups were compared by repeated measure ANOVA at 3 and 6-months with medication adherence (using Morisky medication adherence scale) and number of hospital admissions as the main outcome variables. Results: A total of 127 patients were included in the study. A marked and statistically significant increase in medication adherence from baseline to 3 and 6 months were noted in the intervention group (increased from 9.2% at baseline to 61% at 6 month) compared with the control group (increased from 13.2% at baseline (to 30.2% at 6 month; p-value<0.01). Furthermore, at the 6-month follow-up, only 23 patients in MTM group with poorly controlled blood glucose levels resulted in hospital admissions compared to 48 patients in non-MTM group, resulting in a 52.1% fewer hospital admissions (p< 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study implied that pharmacist-led medication therapy management might improve medication adherence and reduce number of hospitalizations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, policies and guidelines should be in place in order for clinical pharmacists to fully engage in patient care and improve the medication therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Erku
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar. Gondar (Ethiopia).
| | - Asnakew A Ayele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar. Gondar (Ethiopia).
| | - Abebe B Mekuria
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar. Gondar (Ethiopia).
| | - Sewunet A Belachew
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar. Gondar (Ethiopia).
| | - Bisrat Hailemeskel
- Associate Professor and Director of Drug Information Services School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences, Howard University. Washington, DC (United States).
| | - Henok G Tegegn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar. Gondar (Ethiopia).
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17
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Barry AR. Development of a Pharmacist REferral Program in a primary cARE clinic (PREPARE): A prospective cross-sectional study. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2017; 150:206-215. [PMID: 28507656 DOI: 10.1177/1715163517702167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing demand for ambulatory health care services has led to the development of primary care multidisciplinary teams that include pharmacists. The objective of this study was to characterize referrals to a pharmacist in a primary care clinic (PCC) based in Chilliwack, British Columbia. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study included all patients referred to the PCC pharmacist over 12 months (May 2015 to April 2016). Data regarding the source/reason for referral, patient demographics, medical problems/medications and number/category of identified drug therapy concerns (DTCs) were collected. RESULTS A total of 137 referrals were received. Mean age was 60 years and 59% were female. Twenty patients (15%) did not attend their appointment. Fifty-eight percent were new clinic patients identified using a Medication Risk Assessment Questionnaire (MRAQ), 30% were from PCC clinicians and 12% were from community family physicians. The most common reason for referral was for a medication review (82%). Median number of medical problems and medications per patient were 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 5) and 11 (IQR 7.5), respectively. A total of 460 DTCs were identified (median 4 per patient, IQR 3.5), of which 34% were medication without an indication and 28% an untreated indication. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The most common source of referrals to a PCC pharmacist was for medication reviews of new patients using an MRAQ. Most referred patients had multiple medical problems and polypharmacy, and few were referred for disease-specific management. The number of DTCs per patient was variable and, despite polypharmacy being commonplace, almost one-third of patients had an untreated indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arden R Barry
- Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, Chilliwack, and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
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18
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Weeks G, George J, Maclure K, Stewart D. Non-medical prescribing versus medical prescribing for acute and chronic disease management in primary and secondary care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 11:CD011227. [PMID: 27873322 PMCID: PMC6464275 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011227.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A range of health workforce strategies are needed to address health service demands in low-, middle- and high-income countries. Non-medical prescribing involves nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and physician assistants substituting for doctors in a prescribing role, and this is one approach to improve access to medicines. OBJECTIVES To assess clinical, patient-reported, and resource use outcomes of non-medical prescribing for managing acute and chronic health conditions in primary and secondary care settings compared with medical prescribing (usual care). SEARCH METHODS We searched databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and five other databases on 19 July 2016. We also searched the grey literature and handsearched bibliographies of relevant papers and publications. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, controlled before-and-after (CBA) studies (with at least two intervention and two control sites) and interrupted time series analysis (with at least three observations before and after the intervention) comparing: 1. non-medical prescribing versus medical prescribing in acute care; 2. non-medical prescribing versus medical prescribing in chronic care; 3. non-medical prescribing versus medical prescribing in secondary care; 4 non-medical prescribing versus medical prescribing in primary care; 5. comparisons between different non-medical prescriber groups; and 6. non-medical healthcare providers with formal prescribing training versus those without formal prescribing training. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently reviewed studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed study quality with discrepancies resolved by discussion. Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias for the included studies according to EPOC criteria. We undertook meta-analyses using the fixed-effect model where studies were examining the same treatment effect and to account for small sample sizes. We compared outcomes to a random-effects model where clinical or statistical heterogeneity existed. MAIN RESULTS We included 46 studies (37,337 participants); non-medical prescribing was undertaken by nurses in 26 studies and pharmacists in 20 studies. In 45 studies non-medical prescribing as a component of care was compared with usual care medical prescribing. A further study compared nurse prescribing supported by guidelines with usual nurse prescribing care. No studies were found with non-medical prescribing being undertaken by other health professionals. The education requirement for non-medical prescribing varied with country and location.A meta-analysis of surrogate markers of chronic disease (systolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, and low-density lipoprotein) showed positive intervention group effects. There was a moderate-certainty of evidence for studies of blood pressure at 12 months (mean difference (MD) -5.31 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6.46 to -4.16; 12 studies, 4229 participants) and low-density lipoprotein (MD -0.21, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.14; 7 studies, 1469 participants); we downgraded the certainty of evidence from high due to considerations of serious inconsistency (considerable heterogeneity), multifaceted interventions, and variable prescribing autonomy. A high-certainty of evidence existed for comparative studies of glycated haemoglobin management at 12 months (MD -0.62, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.38; 6 studies, 775 participants). While there appeared little difference in medication adherence across studies, a meta-analysis of continuous outcome data from four studies showed an effect favouring patient adherence in the non-medical prescribing group (MD 0.15, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.30; 4 studies, 700 participants). We downgraded the certainty of evidence for adherence to moderate due to the serious risk of performance bias. While little difference was seen in patient-related adverse events between treatment groups, we downgraded the certainty of evidence to low due to indirectness, as the range of adverse events may not be related to the intervention and selective reporting failed to adequately report adverse events in many studies.Patients were generally satisfied with non-medical prescriber care (14 studies, 7514 participants). We downgraded the certainty of evidence from high to moderate due to indirectness, in that satisfaction with the prescribing component of care was only addressed in one study, and there was variability of satisfaction measures with little use of validated tools. A meta-analysis of health-related quality of life scores (SF-12 and SF-36) found a difference favouring usual care for the physical component score (MD 1.17, 95% CI 0.16 to 2.17), but not the mental component score (MD 0.58, 95% CI -0.40 to 1.55). However, the quality of life measurement may more appropriately reflect composite care rather than the prescribing component of care, and for this reason we downgraded the certainty of evidence to moderate due to indirectness of the measure of effect. A wide variety of resource use measures were reported across studies with little difference between groups for hospitalisations, emergency department visits, and outpatient visits. In the majority of studies reporting medication use, non-medical prescribers prescribed more drugs, intensified drug doses, and used a greater variety of drugs compared to usual care medical prescribers.The risk of bias across studies was generally low for selection bias (random sequence generation), detection bias (blinding of outcome assessment), attrition bias (incomplete outcome data), and reporting bias (selective reporting). There was an unclear risk of selection bias (allocation concealment) and for other biases. A high risk of performance bias (blinding of participants and personnel) existed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that non-medical prescribers, practising with varying but high levels of prescribing autonomy, in a range of settings, were as effective as usual care medical prescribers. Non-medical prescribers can deliver comparable outcomes for systolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein, medication adherence, patient satisfaction, and health-related quality of life. It was difficult to determine the impact of non-medical prescribing compared to medical prescribing for adverse events and resource use outcomes due to the inconsistency and variability in reporting across studies. Future efforts should be directed towards more rigorous studies that can clearly identify the clinical, patient-reported, resource use, and economic outcomes of non-medical prescribing, in both high-income and low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Weeks
- Monash UniversityCentre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesParkvilleVICAustralia3052
- Barwon HealthPharmacy DepartmentGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Johnson George
- Monash UniversityCentre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesParkvilleVICAustralia3052
| | - Katie Maclure
- Robert Gordon UniversitySchool of PharmacyRiverside EastGarthdee RoadAberdeenUKAB10 7GJ
| | - Derek Stewart
- Robert Gordon UniversitySchool of PharmacyRiverside EastGarthdee RoadAberdeenUKAB10 7GJ
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