Pharmacist-led Feedback to Junior Doctors to Reduce Suboptimal Prescribing of Antimicrobials

Abstract

management in community pharmacy, should be designed and piloted. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a pharmacist-delivered nonproduct-based weight management pilot program in community pharmacies in Sydney, Australia. Methods: A pharmacy-based weight management program called ‘A Healthier Life Program’ (HLP) was designed based on current Australian clinical guidelines and recommendations made by key stakeholders. Eight pharmacies in metropolitan Sydney, were recruited venues for HLP and were involved in recruiting eligible participants, during February to December 2013. A single pharmacist trained in weight management, delivered HLP at the pharmacies. Participants attended the pharmacy biweekly, for a total of six appointments over three months. The sessions involved physical assessment (including weight, waist circumference, height and blood pressure measurement; and BMI calculation), motivational interviewing, goal-setting and behavioural counselling. Descriptive statistical methods were used to present change at the conclusion of the program. Assuming that participants whom measurements were not available at follow-up retained their baseline observed weight and their last observed weight, Baseline-Observation-Carried-Forward and Last-Observation-Carried-Forward were used. Results: Thirty-four participants (24 female) were enrolled in HLP. Mean age was 51.6 (SD 15.0) years and mean BMI was 34.5 (SD 5.5) kg/m2. Of the 22 participants who completed HLP, six had achieved the target weight loss of R5%. Using Last-ObservationCarried-Forward, the mean weight loss percentage was 2.2 (SD 8.8). Conclusions: In this pilot study, a trained pharmacist successfully delivered a weight management service promoting weight loss and healthy behaviours. This suggests that with further research, a best practice model for weight management can be implemented in Australian community pharmacies.