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.