Outcomes of a community pharmacy-based diabetes monitoring program.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the effects of a point-of-dispensing (POD) pharmaceutical care model on outcomes of self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) results, SMBG frequency, and medication adherence rates for patients with diabetes.


OBJECTIVE
Measure the rate at which physicians implemented therapy recommendations made by community pharmacists.


METHODS
12-month, noncrossover, single-group trial.


METHODS
Two independent community pharmacies in Richmond, Va.


METHODS
101 patients were initially identified as potential participants; of the 82 that elected to participate in the study, 62 (76%) completed the first 6 months and 52 (63%) completed the entire 12-month study period.


METHODS
This pharmaceutical care program was integrated into the dispensing function: subjective and objective data related to diabetes care were gathered with each prescription refill. Recommendations were made to patients and their physicians.


METHODS
SMBG values and frequency at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Diabetic medication adherence rates for 1 year before and during participation were evaluated. Community pharmacist recommendations and implementation status were followed over the 12-month period.


RESULTS
Average morning blood glucose values (n = 27) decreased from 178.6 mg/dL to 159.3 mg/dL, from baseline to 6 months, respectively (p = .07). Blood glucose values (n = 23) at baseline and 12 months decreased from 179.0 mg/dL to 149.7 mg/dL, respectively (p < .05). There was no statistical difference in SMBG frequency. A diabetes medication adherence rate of 90% was maintained over the 12-month study period. Physicians implemented 15 of 20 (75%) recommendations.


CONCLUSIONS
This model offers an effective and efficient mechanism for providing pharmaceutical care for patients with diabetes.
Berringer
R
R
Medical College of Virginia Hospitals Pharmaceutical Care at Stony Point, Richmond, Va., USA.
Shibley
M C
MC
Cary
C C
CC
Pugh
C B
CB
Powers
P A
PA
Rafi
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003376:Counseling; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014768:Virginia