Independent pharmacist prescribing of statins for patients with type 2 diabetes: An analysis of enhanced pharmacist prescriptive authority in Idaho.

OBJECTIVES

This study describes the development and patients' perceptions of a community pharmacist-led, statin-prescribing service for patients with diabetes and aims to identify why patients indicated for statin therapy were not prescribed therapy at the time of pharmacist consultation.

SETTING

This pilot service began in 4 community-based Albertsons Companies pharmacies located in western Idaho. Patients eligible for the statin-prescribing service had a current diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, were aged between 40 and 75 years, were currently taking medications to manage their diabetes and had no contraindications to statin therapy.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

Due to recent law changes in Idaho, pharmacists can now prescribe statins and certain other medications without oversight from a medical provider or the need for a collaborative practice agreement.

PRACTIVE INNOVATION

Patients were identified and contacted by their local community pharmacist to discuss the statin-prescribing service. Once statin therapy was initiated, patients completed a brief, 7-question survey regarding their perceptions of the service.

EVALUATION

This study evaluated the following: number of patients eligible for the prescribing service, number of patients who received a pharmacist-written statin prescription, and patients' perceptions regarding the service.

METHODS

Of the 64 patients screened, 18 (28%) were eligible for statin therapy. Of those eligible, 6 (33%) accepted pharmacist services and 4 patients started statin treatment. Two patients were prescribed a statin by the community pharmacist, whereas the other 2 patients contacted their primary care provider and requested a statin prescription at the pharmacist's recommendation.

RESULTS

Overall, participating patients (n = 4) reported feeling comfortable and satisfied with all aspects of the protocol and their pharmacist's role as a prescriber.

CONCLUSION

This pilot was the first example of community pharmacists independently prescribing statins outside of the clinic setting. The service could target an important health initiative.