![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Patients admitted to Temple University Hospital with a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are referred to the pharmacist-run Stroke Prevention Clinic (SPC). CVA/TIA risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and smoking. Once a patient has a CVA/TIA, the risk for another event is higher than someone without an event. The goals of the SPC are to obtain optimal surrogate markers including blood pressure, LDL, and hemoglobin A1c values, and increase smoking cessation to reduce hospital admissions for secondary CVAs/TIAs, myocardial infarction (MI), and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The SPCS adjusts medications based on patient characteristics, preventing hospital admissions for CVA/TIA, MI, and/or PAD.
Objectives:
The objective was to determine if patients receiving SPC care have better outcomes than patients that did not visit the clinic.
Study Design:
This was a retrospective chart review of patients referred to the SPC.
Methods:
Data was collected from the electronic medical record. At time of CVA/TIA, associated risk factors and pertinent medications were recorded. For patients that attended clinic, the number of appointments with the SPC was recorded and if new medications were added. Blood pressure, LDL, Hemoglobin A1c, weight, and smoking status were collected at time of CVA/TIA, before initial visit to the SPC, and after last SPC visit. Hospital admissions were reviewed to assess for secondary CVA, MI, and PAD. Data was collected for patients that did not attend clinic visits and was used as a control.
Results:
Records were reviewed for 456 patients. Readmissions for stroke, MI, and PAD were lower in the SPC group. Initial results show surrogate markers improved in the SPC group. Final analysis will be available by presentation date.
Conclusions:
Pharmacists can play a role in reducing risk factors for secondary CVA/TIA and can prevent future hospital admissions.