Impact of Pharmacists-Led Interventions in Primary Care for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes on HbA1c Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Continuous glucose monitoring for the routine care of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Although continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are now considered the standard of care for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the uptake among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been slower and is focused on those receiving intensive insulin therapy. However, increasing evidence now supports the inclusion of CGM in the routine care of people with T2DM who are on basal insulin-only regimens or are managed with other medications. Expanding CGM to these groups could minimize hypoglycaemia while allowing efficient adaptation and escalation of therapies. Increasing evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies indicates that CGM is of clinical value in people with T2DM on non-intensive treatment regimens. If further studies confirm this finding, CGM could soon become a part of routine care for T2DM. In this Perspective we explore the potential benefits of widening the application of CGM in T2DM, along with the challenges that must be overcome for the evidence-based benefits of this technology to be delivered for all people with T2DM.

Impact of pharmacist-led interventions on medication-related problems among patients treated for cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

BACKGROUND

Medication-related problems (MRPs) continue to impose a voluminous health impact, particularly among patients on anti-cancer therapy, due to the nature and complexity of the care. Pharmacists have a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, effective, and rational use of medicines in this group of patients.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the impact of pharmacist-led interventions in resolving MRPs among patients treated for cancer.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted and reported following the PRISMA protocol and registered in PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42022311535). Four database searches, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and International Pharmaceuticals Abstracts, were systematically searched from August 2022 to January 2023. Only randomized control trials (RCTs) were included. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to check the quality of the included studies. The outcome measures were overall MRPs, adherence, medication errors, and adverse drug events (ADEs). Data for meta-analysis were analyzed used using STATA version 17 and standardized mean difference effect sizes were calculated for continuous outcomes and odds ratio for categorical outcomes.

RESULTS

Out of the 90 studies screened for eligibility, 20 RCT studies were included for the systematic review and 15 for the meta-analysis. Close to two-thirds of the studies were from Europe (n = 7) and Asia (n = 6). A combination of educational and behavioral intervention strategies were used for a period ranged from 8 days to 12 months. The pharmacist-led intervention improved adherence to treatment by 4.79 times (AOR = 4.79; 95%CI = 2.64, 8.68; p-value<0.0001), reduced the occurrence of ADEs by 1.28 (SMD = -1.28; 95%CI = -0.04-2.52; p-value = 0.04) and decreased the overall MRPs by 0.53 (SMD = -0.53; 95%CI = -0.79, -0.28; p-value<0.0001) compared to control groups.

CONCLUSION

This study found out that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly lower MRPs among patients treated for cancer. Hence, a global concerted effort has to be made to integrate pharmacists in a multidisciplinary direct cancer care.

A meta-analysis of the impact of pharmacist interventions on clinical outcomes in patients with type-2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of pharmacist interventions in type-2 diabetes patients by collecting and evaluating literature.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across six databases, including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, from January 2001 to January 2023. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the clinical outcomes of pharmacist interventions on type-2 diabetes patients were searched, and data were extracted and analysed by RevMan version 5.4 software.

RESULTS

A total of 35 studies involving 4827 patients were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that pharmacist interventions had an influence on improving patients' HbA1c (MD=-0.70), LDL-C (MD=-5.51), SBP (MD=-4.58), DBP (MD=-1.90], BMI (MD=-0.47) and FBG (MD=-19.82), but there was no evidence from the study that pharmacist interventions could significantly improve HDL-C (MD=-0.61), TC (MD=-5.12) or TG (MD=-3.14). In addition, medication adherence was significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacist interventions significantly improved HbA1c, BP, and LDL-C control levels, BMI, and medication adherence in type-2 diabetes patients, but there was no evidence from this study that pharmacist interventions significantly improved HDL-C, TC, or TG.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Effective pharmacist interventions are important to improve type-2 diabetes patients' clinical outcomes.

Barriers and Best Practices on the Management of Opioid Use Disorder

Opioids refer to chemicals that agonize opioid receptors in the body resulting in analgesia and sometimes, euphoria. Opiates include morphine and codeine; semi-synthetic opioids include heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and buprenorphine; and fully synthetic opioids include tramadol, fentanyl and methadone. In 2021, an estimated 5.6 million individuals met criteria for opioid use disorder. This article provides an overview of the pharmacology of heroin and non-prescription fentanyl (NPF) and its synthetic analogues, and summarizes the literature related to the management of opioid use disorder, overdose, and withdrawal. This is followed by a description of barriers to treatment and best practices for management with a discussion on recent updates and their potential impact on this patient population. This is followed by a description of barriers to treatment and best practices for management with a discussion on recent updates and their potential impact on this patient population.

Partnering for Better Health: Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Clinical Pharmacist Collaboration to Improve Glycemic Control in Underserved Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of initiating use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in patients being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus, specifically those who face barriers to obtaining this device because of its cost.

METHODS

This retrospective medical record review compared diabetes control of patients before and after use of a CGM device within a single primary care office. Patient medical records were reviewed 18 months after initial CGM was provided, and only those who received a CGM directly from the clinic were included in the review. Statistical analysis comparing the difference in mean baseline glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level with the first HbA1c level after CGM placement was completed using the paired t test for the primary outcome.

FINDINGS

A total of 41 patients who obtained at least 1 CGM reader and a minimum of a 30-day supply of sensors from the clinic were included in the review. The primary outcome resulted in a significant reduction in the mean (SD) first HbA1c level after CGM placements of -1.9% (2.5%) (P < .001) with a total of 10 and 22 patients with an HbA1c level <7% and 8%, respectively. This mean (SD) reduction in HbA1c level was also seen in both insulin-treated patients (-1.8% [2.8%], n = 30) and non-insulin-treated patients (-2% [2.8%], n=11). The largest reduction in the first HbA1c level after CGM placement was seen in those patients provided a CGM along with collaborative care with a clinical pharmacist. These patients saw a mean (SD) decrease of -2.5% [2.7%] (n = 26) in their HbA1c level with a mean (SD) decrease of -0.8% (1.6%) (n = 15) for those not comanaged by the clinical pharmacist.

IMPLICATIONS

The results of this study suggest that the use of CGM in the underserved population can lead to a significant improvement in glycemic control in patients with diabetes, regardless of treatment therapies used. Involving a multidisciplinary team in diabetes management, including clinical pharmacists, may further improve outcomes. Access to these devices in the underserved population may be crucial in reducing the risk of developing complications related to uncontrolled diabetes.

Evaluating the competency of community pharmacists in identifying and managing malnourished patients: A cross sectional survey

Background

Malnutrition is a global health issue that affects all age groups and regions. The integration of malnutrition screening into community pharmacy practices help address malnutrition. Community pharmacies, with their accessibility and reach, are well-suited to provide essential malnutrition screening services, contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Objective

The research objectives encompass evaluating community pharmacists' knowledge, screening proficiency, range of malnutrition services provided, and competence in identifying patients at risk of malnutrition.

Method

The study used a cross-sectional design to gather data from CPs in Kaduna State, Nigeria, using an online, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used, and the data were evaluated using descriptive statistics.

Results

Eighty five percent of the 80 CPs who took the survey and provided responses practiced in urban areas. Approximately 37% and 18% of pharmacists, respectively, had a good and fair understanding of therapeutic nutrition. Additionally, while 33% of pharmacists provided nutritional advice in response to a prescription, 41% of them did so based on specific observations. Patients with severe dehydration (28%), infants and children with growth impairment (25%), and neonates with low birth weight (20%) were identified as high-risk. A little over 30% of survey participants thought patients should have both dietary and medical treatment. Additionally, 34% of pharmacists reported nutritional supplements had a positive impact on public health, while 28% believed they should be sold in pharmacies under pharmacist supervision.

Conclusion

Study findings revealed knowledge gaps in addressing malnutrition among CPs. While they play a significant role, improvements are needed in understanding therapeutic nutrition and providing advice. Identifying high-risk patients and recognizing the value of nutritional supplements can enhance public healthcare services and patient well-being.

Oncologists' responsibility, comfort, and knowledge managing hyperglycemia in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a cross sectional study

PURPOSE

To assess oncologists' responsibility, comfort, and knowledge managing hyperglycemia in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire collected oncologists' perceptions about professionals responsible for managing hyperglycemia during chemotherapy; comfort (score range 12-120); and knowledge (score range 0-16). Descriptive statistics were calculated including Student t-tests and one-way ANOVA for mean score differences. Multivariable linear regression identified predictors of comfort and knowledge scores.

RESULTS

Respondents (N = 229) were 67.7% men, 91.3% White and mean age 52.1 years. Oncologists perceived endocrinologists/diabetologists and primary care physicians as those responsible for managing hyperglycemia during chemotherapy, and most frequently referred to these clinicians. Reasons for referral included lack of time to manage hyperglycemia (62.4%), belief that patients would benefit from referral to an alternative provider clinician (54.1%), and not perceiving hyperglycemia management in their scope of practice (52.4%). The top-3 barriers to patient referral were long wait times for primary care (69.9%) and endocrinology (68.1%) visits, and patient's provider outside of the oncologist's institution (52.8%). The top-3 barriers to treating hyperglycemia were lack of knowledge about when to start insulin, how to adjust insulin, and what insulin type works best. Women (ß = 1.67, 95% CI: 0.16, 3.18) and oncologists in suburban areas (ß = 6.98, 95% CI: 2.53, 11.44) had higher comfort scores than their respective counterparts; oncologists working in practices with > 10 oncologists had lower comfort scores (ß = -2.75, 95% CI: -4.96, -0.53) than those in practices with ≤ 10. No significant predictors were identified for knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Oncologists expected endocrinology or primary care clinicians to manage hyperglycemia during chemotherapy, but long wait times were among the top barriers cited when referring patients. New models that provide prompt and coordinated care are needed.

Effect of Drug Information Service on Clinical Outcome of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Padang, Indonesia

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been a health burden worldwide, including Indonesia. However, T2DM therapy needs a long and complex process, which patients often do not favor, thus making them does not take medications as instructed and negatively affecting clinical outcomes. This study aimed to understand the effect of Drug Information Service provision on the clinical outcome of T2DM patients. This quasi-experimental study was conducted using one group pre-post-test design. As the clinical outcome, the fasting blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention. A drug information service was provided through direct explanation to the patients. Sociodemographic data were analyzed descriptively. The difference in fasting blood glucose before and after the intervention was assessed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Forty patients participated in this study. Most participants are female (N=34; 85%) and receive two-drugs combination therapy of metformin and sulfonylureas (N=32; 77.5%). Although there is a decrease in mean fasting blood glucose level after intervention (174.92±59.561 vs. 184.20±49.768), there is no significant difference between fasting blood glucose levels pre-intervention and post-intervention (p>0.05). It is concluded that despite the noticeable decline of blood glucose level after drug information service, its effect on blood glucose control is not significant.

The Effect of Interventions Led by Community Pharmacists in Primary Care for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Therapeutic Adherence and HbA1c Levels: A Systematic Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been assessed as a widespread disease globally. Unfortunately, this illness can occasionally go undetected and without symptoms until it reaches the emergency condition, and this can be notably true in patients who do not receive routine medical care. Pharmacists are the foremost accessible health care providers. They can help patients select the most appropriate hypoglycemic management strategy through their experiences. This review aimed to provide an overview of the literature published on community pharmacists' interventions that are currently used and their usefulness in improving patient adherence and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Relevant studies were retrieved through a comprehensive search of three databases, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and CINAHL (2010 to 2020). In total, 8362 publications were identified. The final protocol was based on the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)". After applying inclusion and exclusion measures, 21 articles were deemed relevant. In pharmacists' interventions in diabetes care, patient education and counseling were the most common intervention methods. Essentially, this systematic review provides evidence and identifies the key features that may predict success in enhancing clinical outcomes and patient adherence to treatment. Based on our findings, we suggest further investigations of the root causes of non-adherence problems.