Evaluation of Chronic Disease Screening Programs in a Community Pharmacy

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the benefits of asthma and diabetes screening services at community pharmacies and determine patient satisfaction and willingness to pay. Methods: ASTHMA: A retrospective analysis of 342 patients were given one of two asthma screening surveys, based on whether or not they had asthma, which assessed asthma-related symptoms, associated conditions, family and social history, and the use of asthma medications. Peak flow measurements were also obtained and compared to predicted peak flow values. Based on these results, pharmacists referred patients to their physician or the emergency department if necessary. DIABETES: A retrospective analysis of 402 patients participated in diabetes screenings at Bashas’ United Drugs. Patients were given a questionnaire to complete, which included questions about diabetes diagnosis, related symptoms, and medication use. Level of control was measured by a fasting or casual finger-stick blood glucose test. Based on these results, pharmacists referred patients to their physician or the emergency department if necessary. PATIENT SATISFACTION: This is a retrospective analysis of patient satisfaction surveys collected from patients who volunteered to participate in asthma and diabetes screenings a t Bashas’ United Drugs stores. A total of 189 satisfaction surveys were collected, 73 from asthma screenings and 96 from diabetes screenings were used to evaluate patient awareness of pharmacist-run screening services, perception of pharmacist knowledge and ability to monitor health conditions, and willingness to pay for the screening services. Mean scores are based on Likert scaled data (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Implications: The findings in this study suggest that community pharmacists play an essential role in the management of patients with asthma and diabetes. This study found community pharmacists are well trusted for their advice regarding medications, and would be receptive to other health related advice from their pharmacist. Respondents strongly agreed they would recommend this screening service to other patients and would be willing to pay for these services.