IMPACT OF PHARMACIST-LED DIABETES PROGRAM ON GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN AND DIABETES-RELATED HOSPITALIZATIONS IN A DISTRICT-LEVEL HOSPITAL: A PILOT RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist-led diabetes program in improving glycated hemoglobin and diabetes-related hospitalizations of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a district level hospital without structured diabetes care model. Thus far, the impact of pharmacist-led diabetes program in hospital settings without endocrinologist, dietitian, nutritionist, diabetes educator and diabetes link nurse is unknown. This study hypothesized that there would be a difference in the aforementioned outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus managed primarily by pharmacist. Methods: A pilot retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending regular follow-up in the medical outpatient department and diabetes medication therapy adherence clinic. Convenience sampling method was used to recruit study subjects who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged ≥18 years old and A1C ≥8%. Results: Twenty-nine study subjects were eligible for both groups respectively. Pharmacist group had study subjects with higher baseline A1C values, more dyslipidemia cases and all prescribed with insulin therapy. A significant mean A1C reductions from the baseline to twelve months after enrollment could be observed in the pharmacist program but not in the usual medical care group. However, there was no significant difference between these two groups in terms of diabetes-related hospitalizations. Conclusion: Pharmacist-led diabetes program has a significant impact on glycated hemoglobin reductions among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus but not diabetes-related hospitalizations.