Evaluation of a pharmacist-managed lipid clinic that uses point-of-care lipid testing.
BACKGROUND
Hyperlipidemia is a significant, modifiable risk factor for developing coronary heart disease. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal achievement has improved overall, but many high-risk patients remain above the desired LDL-C goals. Published data have demonstrated the ability of pharmacist-managed lipid clinics to improve lipid management in a variety of clinical settings.


OBJECTIVE
This observational analysis aimed to report the impact of a newly developed hospital-based, outpatient lipid clinic by the use of point-of-care testing on LDL-C goal attainment.


METHODS
A retrospective, observational analysis was conducted from February 2007 to December 2008. The primary outcome measure was the change in the proportion of patients who achieved their LDL-C goal at the end of the observation period compared with baseline.


RESULTS
A total of 81 patients met study inclusion criteria. Mean duration of follow-up was 9.0 ± 4.9 (SD) months. At the end of the observation period, 82.9% of patients achieved their LDL-C goal compared with 55.3% at baseline (P < .0001). The mean LDL-C decreased from 103 ± 45 mg/dL at baseline to 82 ± 28 mg/dL at the end of the observation period (P < .0001).


CONCLUSIONS
An outpatient hospital-based, pharmacist-managed lipid clinic improved LDL-C goal attainment. Our results are unique in that pharmacists used point-of-care testing to obtain lipid results for making therapy adjustments during the face-to-face visit.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Pharmacy Department, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA.
Katherine R
KR
Gerrald
Dave L
DL
Dixon
Debra J
DJ
Barnette
Virginia G
VG
Williams
D000368:Aged; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010595:Pharmacists; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D008055:Lipids