An interdisciplinary approach using case management and clinical pharmacy improves results for people with diabetes.

Julie A Zuñiga, Ya-Ching Huang, Heather Cuevas, Lindsay Vasquez, Alexandra A García

Journal: Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP 2021;16(10):1387-1391

PMID: 32033877

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

People with diabetes face many challenges to following healthcare provider recommendations for self-management and few are able to achieve and maintain reductions in average blood glucose level. Interdisciplinary teams are a promising strategy to help patients with diabetes improve outcomes.

METHODS

An observational analysis of electronic health record data to evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacist, case manager, or a combination of both on clinical outcomes for patients with diabetes.

FINDINGS

All patients (N = 970), regardless of visit type, had a statistically significant improvement in A1C, LDL, and total cholesterol over 1 year. Patients who saw both a case manager and clinical pharmacist had the greatest improvements with the steepest changes across all measures.

CONCLUSION

Clinics should create interdisciplinary teams that include a clinical pharmacist and a case manager to have the best outcomes for their patients with diabetes.

Address: The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing, United States. Electronic address: [email protected].; Texas State University, St. David's School of Nursing, United States.; The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing, United States.; CommUnityCare Health Centers, United States; The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, United States.; The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing and Dell Medical School, United States.

DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.01.011

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MeSH Terms: Case Management, Diabetes Mellitus, Glycated Hemoglobin, Humans, Pharmacists, Pharmacy, Pharmacy Service, Hospital