Outcomes of a novel pharmacy screening intervention to address the burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in an Arabic‐speaking country. Issue 8 (20th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alzubaidi, Hamzah; Hasan, Sanah; Saidawi, Ward; Mc Namara, Kevin; Chandir, Subhash; Krass, Ines
• Is Part Of: Diabetic medicine. Volume 38:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-05-20
• Subjects: ethnic differences -- diabetes -- cardiovascular disease -- screening -- health care delivery; Diabetes -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1111/dme.14598
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0742-3071

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: Aim of this study is to evaluate the capacity of a pharmacist‐delivered screening model for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in identifying and referring individuals at risk. Method: A screening programme was implemented in 12 community pharmacies in three cities in the United Arab Emirates. Trained pharmacists screened adults (≥40 years) without a previous diagnosis of diabetes or CVD. Most participants were recruited during their visits to the pharmacies; pharmacy‐based advertising and social media were also used. The screening included medical history, anthropometric measurements, point‐of‐care glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ) levels, and a lipid panel. High‐risk individuals (HbA1c ≥ 5.7% [39 mmol/mol], a high diabetes risk score, or a 10‐year CVD risk ≥7.5%) were given a referral letter and advised to visit their physician. Risk factors for elevated HbA1c were identified by logistic regression. Results: Of the 568 screened participants, 332/568 (58%) were identified to be at risk: HbA1c levels were consistent with diabetes 67/560 (12%) or prediabetes 148/560 (26%), high diabetes risk score 243/566 (43%), CVD risk score > 7.5% 79/541 (15%). Obese people were more likely to have prediabetes or diabetes OR (95% CI): 3.2 (1.3, 7.5), as were those who spent more than 11 h/day sitting: 5.7 (1.8, 17.6). Of the 332 at‐risk participants, 206 (62%) responded to a telephone follow‐up at six weeks; one‐third had discussed screening results with their physician. Conclusions: Community pharmacists detected and referred individuals at risk for diabetes or CVD, although participant follow‐up with their physician could be improved. Pharmacy screening is feasible and will potentially improve outcomes.