Abstract

Lee Y.L , Rosnani H , Syed A.S.S , Syed W.G *, Yelly O.S , , Usman H.U

This is a prospective pre-post study which was carried out to assess the impact of a community pharmacist-based diabetes management program on clinical outcomes measures. Forty seven outpatients from the Government polyclinic were initially enrolled for this study but only 30 stayed on till the end of the program which was for duration of 3 months. Subjects were followed-up on 4 visits, whereby the community pharmacist provided a structured, standardized diabetes education program which involved counseling and education. Each session lasted about 1 hour on a one to one basis. Lifestyle behaviours such as physical activities, smoking and alcohol consumption were also evaluated. Compliance, awareness and also their knowledge on diabetes were assessed. A Likert-type patient satisfaction survey was also conducted. At the end of the study, HbA1c was significantly reduced by 1.2% (p< 0.001), post-prandial 2 hours blood glucose reduced by 3.34mmol/l (p< 0.001), total cholesterol decreased by 0.37mmol/l (p<0.016), systolic blood pressure decreased by 9.1mmHg (p< 0.001), diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4.8mmHg (p<0.001). Weight, BMI and waist circumference did not change significantly. There was a significant improvement in the compliance score and the patients were satisfied with the outcome of the program which showed better control of their diabetes. In conclusion, the community pharmacist has made an impact on the clinical outcome measures of the diabetic patient who participated in the program.