Impact of medication assistance programs in pharmacist managed patients with diabetes
摘要
The purpose of this study is to determine if improved medication access via manufacturer sponsored medication assistance programs improved patient hemoglobin A1C levels after 12 months of enrollment. Secondary outcomes explored the number of cardiovascular protective medications, renal protective medications, hypoglycemic potential medications, and weight changes.
MethodsPharmacists aided eligible patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to enroll in PAP enabling medication access. Patients sought assistance to (1) continue a medication no longer affordable for them, (2) initiate a new unaffordable medication, or (3) both continue an existing medication and start new medication concurrently. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted to collect the primary objective measure of A1C reduction at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after being enrolled in the PAP. Secondary outcomes included guideline focused measures such as avoidance of hypoglycemic inducing medications and utilization of cardiovascular and renal protective medications.
ResultsThe cohort included 59 patients averaging 69 years old with a baseline A1C of 8.5%. The average mean change from baseline A1C to 12 months was -0.9%, -2.27%, and -0.98% for the continuing an existing medication, starting a new medication, and both continuing and starting a new medication groups respectively. All groups were associated with increased use of cardiovascular and renal protective medications and reduced usage of hypoglycemic potential medications.
ConclusionUtilizing PAP to improve patient access to costly diabetes medications enables better patient outcomes as shown by significantly improved A1C levels and improved utilization of renal and cardioprotective medications.