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Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of pharmacist's intervention on annual comprehensive medication review (Annual CMR) for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Background: To develop a new approach to assess Medicare Part D Annual CMR using a technological tool. Methods: One hundred sixty-three (163) eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries were enrolled. By using an Electronic Health Record (EHR) Program, the pharmacist was able to assess laboratory, pharmacy, diagnosis, and patient information. A post-medication review summary was provided to the medical providers and patients which included a medication action plan. At the end of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the medication review, data were collected, assessed and compared. Results: The study showed that pharmacist's interventions were recommended to seventy-four (74) enrollees which comprised of 45% of the total enrollees. It showed that at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month intervals after the medication review, the recommended interventions acknowledged and implemented by the medical providers were 20%, 51% and 64% respectively, which showed a significant difference over a 12-month period (P-value <.05). Different types of pharmacist's interventions that were recommended may include to initiate, to adjust and to discontinue medication. The most common disease states that required interventions were psychiatric disorder, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia and pain. Conclusion: The finding of this study revealed that such a web-based EHR system was a very meaningful and effective tool in assisting pharmacists to assess the proper and safe use of medication in elderly patients.
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OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of pharmacist's interventions through a collaborative ambulatory care pharmacy practice (CAPP) model in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among the underrepresented population. METHODS: Eligible patients were 18 years and older with a diagnosis of T2DM with or without comorbid cardiovascular disease risk factors. Patients were enrolled through routine primary care provider referrals. During a one-on-one, face-to-face scheduled clinic visit, the pharmacist provided a comprehensive medication management by reviewing vital signs and laboratory values, provided medication reconciliation and management, followed by medication counseling through a CAPP approach in a primary care setting. The pharmacist worked in close collaboration with the primary care provider to intervene on medication therapy through recommendations to initiate, adjust, modify, or discontinue drug therapy and order laboratory tests and drug concentration levels as appropriate. Each visit was documented as a "PharmD Progress Note" in the patient's electronic medical record. Follow-up visits were scheduled until patients' targeted treatment goals were achieved. Primary and secondary outcome data were collected and then analyzed. FINDINGS: A pharmacist saw 47 patients over 12 months. Sixty-four percent of the participating patients were able to achieve targeted treatment goals. A statistically significant decrease in the mean change in hemoglobin A1c, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride levels was observed from the baseline which was -2.3%, -7.75 mmHg, -76.1 mg/dL, and -55.5 mg/dL, respectively. No significant changes in other clinical outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION: The CAPP model demonstrated a significant reduction in clinical endpoints in patients with T2DM among the high-risk underrepresented population.
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OBJECTIVE: Hawaii has diverse population made up of a cultural mix of different races. Due to different cultural and social influences and language barrier, many of the under-served population who migrated to Hawaii and having diabetes mellitus may be susceptible to long-term complications due to uncontrolled hyperglycemia and medication nonadherence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a diabetes education program on the clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus in the Micronesian community of Hawaii. METHODS: This study included patients over age 18 years, with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The diabetes education program was customized for its weekly classes to fit to the under-served population. Data were collected on participants on the 1(st) day and then 6 months after attending the education program. Data on primary and secondary endpoints were collected and analyzed. FINDINGS: The mean glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride levels of participants fell significantly from baseline after attending the diabetes education program for 6 months. No significant changes were observed in other secondary outcomes during the study time period. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, the diabetes education program that was tailored to the Micronesian population was successful in achieving glycemic goals, enhancing medication adherence, improving clinical outcomes, and also preventing long-term complications among its participants.
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OBJECTIVE: Persons experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable population and are at increased risk for morbidity and all-cause mortality compared to the general population. This study sought to evaluate medication use, regular physician visits, and identify health conditions among the homeless population of Long Beach, California. METHODS: Two "brown bag" medication review events were held at homeless shelters in the Long Beach area. Demographic information, medication use, and comorbid disease states were obtained through surveys. FINDINGS: Three-fourths of the cohort (95 participants) consisted of males, and the average age of participants was 48 years. Psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease were the most common disease states reported at 32% and 46%, respectively and so were medications used in treating these chronic diseases. Medication adherence was found to be a significant problem in this population, where more than 30% of patients were nonadherent to medications for chronic diseases. Furthermore, foot problems, hearing and vision difficulties constitute the most commonly overlooked health problems within the homeless population. CONCLUSION: Based on this and other similar finding, we must accept that the homeless represent a vulnerable population, and that because of this fact, more programs should be focused at improving availability and access to health care among the homeless. Regarding the high number of reported health problems in the study, more studies are needed and more studies should incorporate screening for foot, hearing, and vision issues, both to increase awareness and to provide an opportunity for devising possible solutions to these highly preventable conditions.
