Implementation of pharmaceutical care services for patients with hyperlipidemias by independent community pharmacy practitioners

Abstract

Objective: To implement and evaluate pharmaceutical care services for patients with hyperlipidemias in the community pharmacy setting, to evaluate the results of a pharmaceutical care training process for pharmacists by using an assessment quiz, and to measure patient outcomes resulting from provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with hyperlipidemia.

Design: A prospective study was conducted over a 1-year period. Patients served as their own controls.

Setting: Two independent community pharmacies in Richmond, Virginia.

Participants: Twenty-five adult patients with confirmed dyslipidemias completed the study.

Interventions: Study pharmacists assessed each patient and assisted in setting therapeutic goals; patients also completed a visit with a registered dietitian. Drug therapy recommendations were made to physicians by the pharmacist when appropriate. Follow-up was scheduled with the pharmacist to ensure positive outcomes and reduce adverse effects.

Main outcome measures: Fasting lipoprotein profiles were measured initially and at 6 and 12 months. The SF-36 survey, the MacKeigan-Larson satisfaction survey, and a patient opinion survey were administered initially and at the conclusion of the study.

Results: Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values were significantly decreased at 12 months compared with either the baseline or 6-month values (p < 0.02). Significant improvement was found in several domains of the surveys; quality of life, patient satisfaction with pharmacy services, and patient opinions on the role of the pharmacist improved after the intervention.

Conclusions: Pharmaceutical care may positively affect lipid values, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.