With their expertise in the safe and effective use of medications, pharmacists can assist in the management of chronic diseases.
A review and analysis published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology indicates that initiatives, such as patient education, medication reviews and physical assessments, led by pharmacists can make important contributions to the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
To evaluate the potential of pharmacists to help prevent cardiovascular disease in general practice, Abdullah Alshehri, from the University of Birmingham, in the United Kingdom, and colleagues searched the medical literature for relevant randomized controlled clinical trials.
The team identified 21 trials with a total of 8,933 patients. Pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review and counselling, physical assessment, adherence assessment, lifestyle modification and medication management (such as prescribing, adjusting, monitoring and administering therapy and identifying drug-related problems). ).
The most frequently used pharmacist-led interventions were medication review and medication management.
Patients who received pharmacist-led interventions experienced significant reductions in their systolic blood pressure (by an average of -9.33 mmHg); Hemoglobin A1c, a measure of blood sugar levels (on average -0.76%); and LDL cholesterol (on average -15.19 mg/dl). Pharmacist-led interventions also helped patients correctly follow prescribed medication regimens.
"The evidence presented in this review provides an important message for health systems and policy makers regarding the effectiveness of pharmacists’ interventions based on general practice," Alshehri said.
"The significant reductions in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood cholesterol reported in this meta-analysis, if sustained in clinical practice, could have significant implications for the management of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia that could prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality."
Alshehri noted that the findings support greater involvement of pharmacists in general practice. "This will benefit healthcare organizations by providing cost-effective care associated with greater control of patients’ conditions and their medications," she said.
