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


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


METHODS
Two independent community pharmacies in Richmond, Virginia.


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


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.
Shibley
M C
MC
Richmond Apothecaries, Inc., Richmond, VA, USA.
Pugh
C B
CB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D008074:Lipoproteins