Alexandra Perez

Economic evaluations of clinical pharmacy services: 2006-2010.

Studies have consistently evidenced the positive clinical, economic, and humanistic benefits of pharmacist‐directed patient care in a variety of settings. Given the vast differences in clinical outcomes associated with evaluated clinical pharmacy services (CPS), more detail as to the nature of the CPS is needed to better understand observed differences in economic outcomes. With the growing trend of outpatient pharmacy services, these economic evaluations serve as viable decision‐making tools in choosing the most effective and cost‐effective pharmacy programs. We previously conducted three systematic reviews to evaluate the economic impact of CPS from 1988 to 2005. In this systematic review, our objectives were to describe and evaluate the quality of economic evaluations of CPS published between 2006 and 2010, with the goal of informing administrators and practitioners as to their cost‐effectiveness. We searched the scientific literature by using the Medline, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases to identify studies describing CPS published from 2006 to 2010. Studies meeting our inclusion criteria (original research articles that evaluated CPS and described economic and clinical outcomes) were reviewed by two investigators. Methodology used, economic evaluation type, CPS setting and type, and clinical and economic outcome results were extracted. Results were informally compared with previous systematic reviews. Of 3587 potential studies identified, 25 met inclusion criteria. Common CPS settings were hospital (36%), community (32%), and clinic or hospital‐based ambulatory practices (28%). CPS types were disease state management (48%), general pharmacotherapeutic monitoring (24%), target drug programs (8%), and patient education (4%). Two studies (8%) listed CPS as medication therapy management. Costs were evaluated in 24 studies (96%) and sufficiently described in 13 (52%). Clinical or humanistic outcomes were evaluated in 20 studies (80%) and were sufficiently described in 18 (72%). Control groups were included in 16 (70%) of 23 studies not involving modeling. Study assumptions and limitations were stated and justified in eight studies (32%). Conclusions and recommendations were considered justified and based on results in 24 studies (96%). Eighteen studies (72%) involved full economic evaluation. The mean ± SD study quality score for full economic evaluations (18 studies) was 60.4 ± 22.3 of a possible 100 points. Benefit‐cost ratios from three studies ranged from 1.05:1 to 25.95:1, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of five studies were calculated and reported. Fewer studies documented the economic impact of CPS from 2006–2010 than from 2001–2005, although a higher proportion involved controlled designs and were full economic evaluations. Evaluations of ambulatory practices were increasingly common. CPS were generally considered cost‐effective or provided a good benefit‐cost ratio.

Comparison of Rate Control versus Rhythm Control for Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Coexisting Heart Failure: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Study Objective. To compare lifetime costs and health outcomes of rate control versus rhythm control for management of atrial fibrillation in patients with coexisting heart failure from the third‐party payer perspective.

A Community-Based Pilot Study of a Diabetes Pharmacist Intervention in Latinos: Impact on Weight and Hemoglobin A1c

Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects Latinos increasing their risk of diabetes-related complications. This study used a randomized controlled design with a community-based approach to evaluate the impact of a culturally tailored pharmacist intervention on clinical outcomes in Latino diabetics. The intervention included a focused discussion and two individual pharmacist counseling sessions on medication, nutrition, exercise, and self-care to promote behavior changes. Sessions were culturally adapted for language, diet, family participation, and cultural beliefs. Clinical outcomes were measured at baseline and three months. Nineteen intervention and 24 control participants completed the study. Mean BMI reduction was greater for intervention than for control group participants (–0.73± 0.07 kg/m2 versus + 0.37±0.02 kg/m2 p<.009 respectively). Hemoglobin A1c was significantly reduced by 0.93±0.45% in the intervention group only. There was no significant difference in blood glucose, blood pressure, or lipid levels. An innovative culturally-sensitive pharmacist intervention improved selected clinical outcomes among Latino diabetics.

Assessing Anticoagulation Practice Patterns in Patients on Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices: An International Survey.

Anticoagulation in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) patients dictated by local practice, and therefore uniform standards for management are lacking. To characterize the worldwide variance in anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy in patients with MCS devices, a 42 item survey was created and distributed electronically in August 2014. The survey assessed the center-perceived thromboembolic risk (minimal, low, moderate, or high) and characterized the antiplatelet and anticoagulant strategies for the Thoratec HeartMate II (HMII) and HeartWare HVAD (HVAD). A total of 83/214 centers (39%) responded: North America (60/152), Europe (18/50), Australia (2/4), and Asia (3/8). Although the most common target international normalized ratio (INR) was 2–3 for both devices, significant variability exists. Anticoagulation intensity tended to be lower with the HMII, with more centers targeting INR values of less than 2.5. Aspirin monotherapy was the most common antiplatelet regimen; however, the HVAD patients were more likely to be on daily aspirin doses over 100 mg. In addition, parenteral bridging was more frequent with the HVAD device. While 43.8% of respondents indicated an increase in the perceived risk of HMII device thrombosis in 2014, intensification of anticoagulation (22%) or antiplatelet (11%) therapy was infrequent. Our findings verify the wide variety of anticoagulation practice patterns between MCS centers.

Improvement in Surrogate Endpoints by a Multidisciplinary Team in a Mobile Clinic Serving a Low-income, Immigrant Minority Population in South Florida

To determine effect on surrogate endpoints for cardiovascular disease (CVD), we performed a retrospective chart review of 114 patients seen by a multidisciplinary team that provided primary care services in a mobile clinic over 12 months. Eligible patients had outcomes available for at least six months. Mixed effect modeling examined variation in surrogate markers for CVD: blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and body mass index. Repeated measures ANOVA compared lipids, hemoglobin A1c, and medication use from baseline and throughout study. Most patients were female (75%), Haitian (76%), and low-income (

Differences in the Use and Quality of Antidiabetic Therapies in Mexican American and Non-Hispanic Whites With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes in the US NHANES 2003-2012

747/month) with average age 63 years. Common diagnoses were hypertension (82%) and hyperlipidemia (63%). Significant reduction in systolic BP, total- and LDL-cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c were found (p<.05). Use of ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, aspirin, metformin, and statins increased significantly (p<.05). Mobile clinic with a multidisciplinary team improved surrogate endpoints over 12 months in underserved, low-income, mostly foreign-born, Haitian population in U.S.

A Comparison of the Use of Antidepressant Treatment Between Non-Hispanic Black and White and Mexican American Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in the United States: NHANES 2005-2012

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the use of clinical guideline–recommended antidiabetic therapies among Mexican Americans (MA) and non-Hispanic whites with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Methods A secondary data analysis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2012 cohort data including MA and non-Hispanic white adults with uncontrolled (A1C ≥6.5%) type 2 diabetes. Results There was no difference in the use of recommended regimens across race/ethnic group (MA, 63.6% vs whites, 65.7%); however, MA were less likely to have regimens intensified to non-insulin triple therapies (7.3% vs 11.3%) or insulin-based therapies (23.7% vs 30.5%) and were more likely to be on no medications (17.2% vs 10.4%). Mexican Americans and whites who were most uncontrolled were least likely to be on recommended regimens (A1C 6.5%-7.4%, 83.0%; A1C 7.5%-9%, 60.6%; and A1C >9%, 50.4%). This pattern was most pronounced among MA compared to whites. Use of recommended therapies decreased 50.5 percentage points for MA and 20.1 percentage points among whites from an A1C level of 6.5% to 7.4% to >9%, respectively. Conclusions The quality of antidiabetic therapies of MA and whites with type 2 diabetes who are most uncontrolled need improvement. Intensifying pharmacotherapies among MA may help improve glycemic control disparities. The innovative outcome used in this report may be useful in quality of care studies in the future.

A Comparison of the Use and Quality of Antidiabetic Medication Regimens Between Non-Hispanic Black and White Adults With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes in the US: NHANES 2003-2012.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine antidepressant use among Mexican Americans (MA) and non-Hispanic (NH) blacks and whites with type 2 diabetes and depressive symptoms. Methods A secondary data analysis based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2012 cohort data included 560 noninstitutionalized civilian MA, NH black, and NH white adults with type 2 diabetes and depressive symptoms. Unadjusted and adjusted 2-way ANOVA models evaluated whether there was a difference in the use of antidepressants by depressive symptom level across race/ethnic group. Results Whites were more likely than blacks and MA to be on antidepressant treatment (whites: 41.7%, blacks: 27.1%, MA: 24.2%) and on serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) (whites: 8.1%, blacks: 2.9%, MA: 2.4%). However, there was no difference in the use of other drug classes or antidepressant use by depressive symptom level across racial/ethnic group. Followed by tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) were the most commonly used drug class overall. Approximately 30% of subjects were on antidepressants and among those, 80% were on one antidepressant, all others on 2 or more. Conclusions Racial/ethnic differences were observed in the use of antidepressant treatment but not when depressive symptom levels were incorporated in the analyses. Further studies on the effectiveness of different antidepressants in diabetes outcomes minorities are needed.

Measuring the Implementation and Effects of a Coordinated Care Model Featuring Diabetes Self-management Education Within Four Patient-Centered Medical Homes

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the use of clinical guideline–recommended antidiabetic therapies among whites and blacks with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Methods A secondary data analysis based on NHANES 2003-2012 cohort data including non-Hispanic black and white adults with uncontrolled (A1C ≥6.5%) type 2 diabetes. Results Blacks were more likely to have the highest levels of A1C compared to whites (A1C >9% = 29.8% vs 16.2%). There was no statistical difference in the use of recommended regimens across racial group (blacks 60.5% vs whites 66.0%). Blacks and whites who were most uncontrolled were least likely to be on recommended regimens (A1C 6.5%-7.4%: 78.5%, A1C 7.5%-9%: 57.2%; and A1C >9%: 54.1%). This pattern was most pronounced among blacks compared to whites but was not statistically different. Use of recommended therapies decreased 29.0 percentage points for blacks and 20.1 percentage points among whites from an A1C level of 6.5% to 7.4% to >9%, respectively. The total proportion of blacks and whites on intensified non-insulin triple or insulin-based therapies were 38.9% and 41.8%, respectively. Conclusions Even though blacks were more likely than whites to have the highest A1C, no significant differences were found in the use of clinical–guideline recommended regimens or other regimen use outcomes. Along with lifestyle modification, further intensification of antidiabetic regimens may help improve glycemic control and other disparities between blacks and whites.

Teaching Research Skills to Student Pharmacists in One Semester: An Applied Research Elective

Purpose The purpose of this study is to measure the implementation and effects of a multisite coordinated care approach that delivered diabetes self-management education (DSME) and diabetes self-management support (DSMS) for disadvantaged patients within 4 patient-centered medical homes (PCMH). Methods A total of 173 patients (69.9% African American, 26.0% Caucasian, and 4.1% other) experienced elements of the intervention, which featured DSME and coordinated care. Key informant interviews with PCMH site staff were used to capture, code, and characterize activities related to implementation and sustainability of the intervention. Outcome measures collected at baseline and at 6 months included clinical health indicators, A1C, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and lipids, as well as the AADE7 Behaviors. Results A statistically significant decrease occurred in A1C and BMI within 6 months for participants within 1 PCMH. This improvement among clinical health outcomes was associated with the frequency of services provided (eg, DSME, patient support). Conclusion Integrating and delivering DSME and DSMS within coordinated care settings have the potential to improve PCMH practice and associated clinical health outcomes for populations experiencing health disparities.