Evaluation of a pharmacist managed diabetes clinic

Introduction: The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is a tool used to evaluate the quality of care in chronic disease management and prevention. Attaining HEDIS measures is associated with cost-effective practice and better health outcomes. A pharmacist managed diabetes clinic (PMDC) was created to assist our institution in improving diabetes mellitus (DM) HEDIS scores. Pharmacists work under a collaborative practice agreement to provide patient-centered education and medication management, as well as to support patients in identifying self-management goals.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a PMDC on diabetes HEDIS measures.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort analysis of high-risk patients with type 1 or 2 DM.

Methods: Seventy-two high-risk patients were included, 36 patients managed in the PMDC matched and compared 1:1 to patients receiving standard care. High-risk patients were defined as those with a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 9% or more. Eligible patients had a baseline HbA1c measured between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2015. All outcomes will be evaluated at three and six months after the baseline HbA1c. The primary endpoints are the percent change in HbA1c and percent of patients who reach an HbA1c goal of 8% or less based on HEDIS measures. Secondary endpoints include: blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, current eye exam and nephropathy screening, as well as the appropriateness of medication use with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and statin therapy.

Results: Data collection is ongoing. The PMDC group (n = 36) had an average HbA1c of 11.9% ± 2.1%. Mean age was 51 ± 12 years, 53% were male, and 92% had type 2 DM. Mean DM duration was 10 ± 7 years. 

Conclusions: Anticipate study to be completed by April 2016.