A2187 Effectiveness of the community pharmacists interventions in improving blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension with a view to improving patient self- management

Abstract

Objectives: of this study is to evaluate if a pharmaceutical care Methods: This project evaluates the pharmacist's interventions during a prospective randomized controlled trial, from November 2015 to May 2016. Patients with an established diagnosis of hypertension, regular customers of the pharmacy were allocated in a random way either to a control group (no pharmaceutical care) or to an intervention group (followed-up by a community pharmacist during a 6- month period). The pharmacist interventions, tried to increase medication adherence and lower blood pressure in these patients, involved education sessions and counseling directed to the patient. Results: A total of 120 patients with an established diagnosis of hypertension were randomly assigned to the study (60 in the control group and 60 in the intervention group). Although there were no significant differences in both groups concerning mean age, gender, body mass index, and antihypertensive pharmacotherapy, at the end of the study, blood pressure control was higher in the intervention group (P = 0.005) Also in the intervention group at the end of the study significantly improved blood glucose values, BMI values and waist circumference. Medication adherence was also higher in the intervention group at the end of the study. There was also a decrease in the lipid levels in the intervention group Conclusion: Pharmacist intervention can significantly improve medication adherence and blood pressure control in patients with hypertension• Community pharmacists are valuable members of multidisciplinary health care teams in the management of patients with hypertension• Pharmacist interventions can improve medication adherence and reduce blood pressure• Community pharmacists can participate in health education and promotion campaigns to improve hypertension control.