Impact of Pharmacist-Led Clinics on Health Outcomes of Patients With Diabetes at a Ministry of Health Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: Saudi Arabia is one of the most diabetes-prone countries in the world. The physician-centered model of care constitutes the standard of care around the country. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacist care on diabetes management in comparison to standard physician-based care.

Materials and methods: a retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seen by the clinical pharmacist at the Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital located in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia between September 2019 to June 2020.

Results: Thirty-two diabetic patients were included. The mean age is 55.75±10.72 years with 65.6% of patients being females. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was significantly decreased within nine months compared to baseline (9.33±1.80 vs.10.30±1.66), p=0.017.

Conclusions: The multidisciplinary collaborative care involving pharmacists achieved superior diabetes outcomes for patients with diabetes. Involving pharmacists resulted in a significant HbA1c reduction within nine months. Moreover, pharmacists' care helped optimize medication therapy and decreased the frequency of hypoglycemia.

Keywords: ambulatory care; clinical pharmacy; diabetes mellitus; disease management; endocrinology.