EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF A PHARMACEUTICAL CARE SERVICE OFFERED TO ATHEROSCLEROSIS PATIENTS WITHIN AN AMBULATORY SETTING

Ana María Rodríguez-Peláez y Peña*

ABSTRACT

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the impact of a newly developed pharmaceutical care services directed to atherosclerosis patients attending an out-patient setting. A total of 80 patients participated in the study and were randomly divided into two equal groups, Group A and Group B. The study was carried out over three phases. In phase 1, Group A patients were assessed and offered a pharmaceutical care session. Group B patients were assessed but no pharmaceutical care session was delivered. At phase 2, group A patients were re- assessed. Group B patients were re-assessed a second time and a pharmaceutical care session was offered to Group B patients. At phase 3 both groups were re-assessed a third time. The newly developed individualized pharmaceutical care service provided by the pharmacist led to an improved quality of life as measured by the health-related quality of life questionnaires.

Keywords: Pharmaceutical care, quality of life, atherosclerosis, drug therapy problems, pharmacist contribution.