Provision of Medication Therapy Management by Pharmacists to Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Federally Qualified Health Center.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Type-2 diabetes mellitus is a complex condition for which pharmacists are well suited to improve patient outcomes by delivering medication therapy management (MTM) services. When diabetes is well controlled, patients can avoid its long-term complications, such as cardiovascular and renal diseases. This article describes an MTM pilot program that was implemented at a federally qualified health center (FQHC). METHODS: This program was implemented at three clinics involving patients with uncontrolled diabetes, defined as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) greater than 8%. The primary endpoint assessed was HbA1c. Secondary endpoints included knowledge scores, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction. Outcomes were compared with a group of patients from the same clinics who did not receive MTM. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients met the established criteria and were enrolled in the six-month program. Thirty-seven patients completed the program and had an average 15% reduction in HbA1c (P < 0.05). Their average knowledge scores and medication adherence scores also increased from baseline. CONCLUSION: MTM provided by pharmacists as part of a health care team at an FQHC led to significant reductions in HbA1c.