Developing and implementing a pharmaceutical care model in an ambulatory care setting for patients with diabetes.
This study evaluated pharmaceutical care as an adjunct to an existing, coordinated-care program at a Regional Diabetes Center. The progress of a control group receiving the standard pharmacist instruction was compared with two treatment groups receiving additional small group or individual supplementary education for a 2-month period. Outcome evaluation included assessment of individual diabetes management through blood glucose monitoring and responses on a pretest and posttest questionnaire. Patients in the treatment groups demonstrated significantly lower average weekly blood glucose levels and a decreased incidence of hyperglycemic episodes compared with the control group. Questionnaire data for both treatment groups demonstrated a significant increase in patient understanding of diabetes medications and medications for associated illnesses, an increase in knowledge about blood glucose monitoring, and a positive difference in perceptions/attitudes toward diabetes and communication with the pharmacist. This approach is consistent with the concept of pharmaceutical care in which the pharmacist helps patients avoid long-term complications and thus improve their quality of life.
Van Veldhuizen-Scott
M K
MK
Widmer
L B
LB
Stacey
S A
SA
Popovich
N G
NG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012041:Regional Medical Programs