Study of Cardiovascular Risk Intervention by Pharmacists (SCRIP): a randomized trial design of the effect of a community pharmacist intervention program on serum cholesterol risk

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of a program of intervention by pharmacists on lipid risk management in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events.

Methods: Randomized, multicenter (44 sites in Alberta and Saskatchewan) study of community pharmacist intervention versus usual care in 1000 patients. Patients are those at high risk of vascular events (existing atherosclerotic vascular disease, or diabetes with > or = 1 other risk factor). After obtaining consent, the pharmacist calls the Project Office to randomize. Patients allocated to intervention receive a brochure and education about cardiovascular risk factors. Pharmacists also complete a physician contact form, which lists the patient's risk factors, medications, and any recommendations. A point-of-care cholesterol test is performed, the result is discussed with the patient, and it is entered on the contact form. If appropriate, the patient is asked to see his or her primary care physician for further assessment and/or treatment, and the form is faxed to the physician. Patients are followed up at two, four, eight, 12, and 16 weeks. During follow-up visits, pharmacists provide educational reinforcement and check for primary end point occurrence. Patients allocated to usual care receive the brochure only, with minimal follow-up. The primary end point is a composite of measurement of a complete lipid panel by the physician, or addition or modification of lipid-lowering drug therapy. Substudies will evaluate economics (third-party payer and pharmacy manager perspective), patient satisfaction, and quality of life.

Conclusions: SCRIP (Study of Cardiovascular Risk Intervention by Pharmacists) is a unique ongoing trial that is evaluating a community pharmacist intervention designed to optimize cholesterol risk management in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events.