Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of a pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic

Abstract

Study objective: To measure clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes associated with a pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic compared with physician-managed clinics.

Design: Prospective, randomized, comparative study.

Setting: Managed care organization.

Patients: A total of 330 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension.

Intervention: Hypertension care provided by either the pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic or physician-managed general medical clinics.

Measurements and main results: Baseline and 6-month evaluations consisted of systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, a short-form health survey, and collection of health care utilization information. After treatment, blood pressure measurements were significantly lower (p<0.001) in the pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic group than in the physician-managed clinic group. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the hypertension clinic group. Total costs for the hypertension clinic group were not different from those of the physician-managed clinic group ($242.46 vs $233.20, p=0.71), but cost:effectiveness ratios were lower in the hypertension clinic group ($27 vs $193/mm Hg for systolic blood pressure readings, and $48 vs $151/mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure readings).

Conclusion: In a hypertension clinic, pharmacists can be a cost-effective alternative to physicians in management of patients, and they can improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.