Effects of Pharmacist Intervention on Community Control of Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Zunyi, China
Ying Li, Guoqin Liu, Chaojie Liu, Xianhong Wang, Yalin Chu, Xiaoqin Li, Wenhao Yang, Yewei Shen, Fang Wu, Wenzhi Zhang
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to test the effects of pharmacist intervention on the community control of hypertension through a comparative randomized controlled trial. METHODS: We recruited adult hypertensive patients with comorbidity or confusion with medication (n=636) from 2 community health centers in Zunyi, China. They were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups. Both groups received the usual care and participated in the community systematic management program of hypertension. Participants in the intervention group were given interventions from pharmacists, including a monthly review of medications, patient education, and medication adjustment advice to medical doctors over 6 months. Participants' blood pressure was assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Participants' knowledge and medication adherence were measured using a questionnaire before and after the trial. RESULTS: =.002) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: It is evident that pharmacist intervention has significant short-term effects on improving the knowledge and medication adherence of hypertensive patients, as well as timely medication adjustments from medical doctors, resulting in lowered blood pressure and an increased control rate. Further studies should explore the long-term sustainability of the effects of community pharmacist intervention.