Outcomes of a novel pharmacy screening intervention to address the burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in an Arabic‐speaking country
Hamzah Alzubaidi, Sanah Hasan, Ward Saidawi, Kevin Mc Namara, Subhash Chandir, Ines Krass
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 (HbA 1c ) levels, and a lipid panel. High‐risk individuals (HbA 1c ≥ 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 HbA 1c were identified by logistic regression. Results Of the 568 screened participants, 332/568 (58%) were identified to be at risk: HbA 1c 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.