Abstract
BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) after stroke is an important healthcare measure. Pharmaceutical Care (PC) is an evolving concept to optimize drug-therapy, minimize drug-related problems, and improve HRQoL of patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of PC on HRQoL, as determined by Short Form 36 (SF-36) among patients after TIA or ischemic stroke one-year following their initial entry in hospital.MethodsPatients were assigned to either an intervention (IG) or a control group (CG). The individual assignment of the patient to IG or CG depended on the community pharmacy to which the patients were assigned for care. Community pharmacies either delivered standard care (CG) or provided intensified PC (IG). Pharmacists who are members of the "Quality Assurance Working Group" (QAWG) provided PC for patients in IG.Results255 patients were recruited (IG: n = 90; CG: n = 165) between 06/2004 to 01/2007. During the study, the HRQoL of the patients in IG did not change significantly. In the CG, a significant decrease in the HRQoL was observed in 7/8 subscales and in both summary measures of SF-36.ConclusionsThis is the first follow-up study in Germany involving a major community hospital, rehabilitation hospitals, community pharmacies and general practitioners investigating the impact of PC on HRQoL of patients after ischemic stroke. Our findings indicate that an intensified education and care of patients after ischemic stroke by dedicated pharmacists based on a concept of PC may maintain the HRQoL of IG patients.
Highlights
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after stroke is an important healthcare measure
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of Pharmaceutical Care (PC) on the HRQoL, as determined by Short Form 36 (SF-36) among patients after TIA or ischemic stroke one-year following their initial entry into the hospital
Reasons for refusal were an excellent support by the family or general practitioner, no need for further information or intensive care, or the patient was not familiar with PC
Summary
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after stroke is an important healthcare measure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of PC on HRQoL, as determined by Short Form 36 (SF36) among patients after TIA or ischemic stroke one-year following their initial entry in hospital. Healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) related to stroke and life satisfaction after stroke are important healthcare outcomes that have not received sufficient attention in the literature. HRQoL assessment includes at least 4 dimensions: physical, functional, psychological, and social health [3,4]. The physical health dimension refers to disease-related symptoms. The functional health comprises self-care, mobility, and the capacity to perform various familiar and work roles. The psychological dimension includes cognitive and emotional functions and subjective perceptions of health and life satisfaction.
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