Results of the implementation of a pharmaceutical care programme for patients with multiple sclerosis (original) (raw)

European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy: Science and Practice, 2013

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the present work was to establish a specialised pharmaceutical care programme for patients with multiple sclerosis in order to analyse its effects on patient satisfaction, the detection of drug-related problems, and the identification and resolution of negative outcomes associated with medication. Methods This was a prospective, longitudinal study with a pre/post-exposure design regarding the pharmaceutical care programme implemented: in bimonthly visits the pharmacist identified, detected and resolved drug-related problems and negative outcomes, and also provided information about the treatment. All patients with multiple sclerosis treated with immunomodulatory drugs from 1 June to 31 December 2011 were included in the study. A Likert scale questionnaire was used before and 6 months after the implementation to assess its impact on perceived patient satisfaction. Results In all, 32 patients (20 women and 12 men), with an age of 39.7±8.3 years were included. A total of 26 were receiving treatment with interferon β and 6 with glatiramer acetate. All items assessing the pharmacist's skills and interest in the patient along with those assessing the information received by the patient showed significant improvement (p<0.001). Overall satisfaction also improved significantly (p=0.016). Of the 13 negative outcomes associated with medication identified, 9 were resolved. Eight negative outcomes were classified as ‘non-quantitative safety problems’ and two as ‘untreated health problems’ were due to the drug-related problem ‘probability of adverse effects’. Three classified as ‘quantitative ineffectiveness’ were due to an ‘insufficiently treated health problem’. Conclusions The implementation of a specialised pharmaceutical care programme led to a significant improvement in perceived patient satisfaction. It has also allowed for better detection of drug-related problems and identification and resolution of negative outcomes associated with medication.

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