Assessing the Effect of Pharmacist Care on Diabetes-Related Outcomes in a Rural Outpatient Clinic: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND: The care of diabetic patients in rural areas is complicated by factors such as poor health literacy, cultural barriers, and primary care provider (PCP) shortages. Integrating pharmacist care in diabetes management in these settings may increase access to care and improve patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in diabetes-related outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) managed by a pharmacist diabetes clinic compared with patients only managed by PCPs in a rural family medicine clinic.

METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study. The primary outcome was achievement of hemoglobin A

RESULTS: A total of 21 pharmacist-managed patients met inclusion criteria. Cases were significantly more likely to experience an A1C reduction ≥0.5% (odds ratio = 7.51; 95% CI = 1.54-36.61; P < 0.01). Statistically significant improvements were also noted for ACE inhibitor/ARB use, statin use, and nephropathy screenings among cases.

CONCLUSION: Patients managed by a pharmacist diabetes clinic were more likely to experience improved diabetes-related outcomes, including A1C reduction ≥0.5%. Pharmacist care, when added to standard care, can improve outcomes for patients with T2DM in rural areas.