1190-P: Pharmacist-Led Clinical Interventions to Encourage Adherence to ADA Diabetes Guidelines and Improve Quality of Care

Abstract

Background: In addition to lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy is often required to achieve glycemic goals. In clinical practice, optimal treatment is not consistently implemented, often due to inadequate adherence to recommended guidelines. Objective: To demonstrate the impact of a pharmacist-led diabetes clinical intervention program. Methods: A retrospective analysis using collected diabetes program clinical interventions from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 was performed. Members at least 18 years of age enrolled in a prescription plan administered by the pharmacy benefit manager with the pharmacist-led diabetes program who attempted to obtain diabetes medications were included in the analysis. A diabetes specialist reviewed members that did not meet previously established clinical algorithm programmed into the adjudication platform. Total number of clinical interventions and type of clinical intervention were described using descriptive statistics. Results: The diabetes specialist pharmacist reviewed a total of 85 interventions. Out of these interventions, approximately 34% did not require additional clinical information from the provider and the medication adjudicated. Of the remaining interventions, providers accepted 75% of the recommendations: 30% “Medication changed to cost-effective therapeutic equivalent”, 27% “Medication discontinued”, 9% “New medication initiated”, and the remaining categories included “Medication dose decreased”, “Medication dose increased”, and “Medication dosing interval increased.” Conclusion: The diabetes specialist pharmacist intervened to promote adherence to ADA guidelines and educate providers on patient specific factors such as medication adherence, polypharmacy, gaps-in-care, and financial considerations. Providers accepted recommendations 75% of the time, demonstrating willingness to collaborate with other clinicians to ensure optimal patient care. Disclosure J.M. Banks: None. P. Taddei-Allen: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S.