Impact of a community pharmacy-based hypoglycemia education program in diabetic patients using insulin and/or sulfonylureas

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study are to: (1) evaluate the effect of a pharmacist-run hypoglycemia education program on emergency room (ER) visits and (2) measure the percent reduction in hypoglycemic events in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at a Safeway Pharmacy. Current initiatives of the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) address the rate of ER visits or hospitalizations due to hypoglycemic events among individuals receiving antidiabetic medications. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of insulin and sulfonylurea therapy. Community pharmacists have the ability to fulfill an unmet need for increasing patient knowledge and confidence in treating episodes of hypoglycemia. Methods: This is a non-interventional study evaluating the impact of a pilot pharmacy service at Safeway Pharmacy. The service will include a patient intake questionnaire and evaluation of current hypoglycemia triggers. Each patient will obtain a patient-centered action plan to prevent episodes, appropriately manage hypoglycemia, and follow up with a provider. The primary outcome is to evaluate the impact the educational program has on the number of hypoglycemic events. Patients will receive follow-up calls at 30 days and 3 months assessing the number of hypoglycemic events that they have experienced, their level of confidence in treating/managing the event, and ER admission rates. A sample size of approximately 100 patients will be utilized and all numeric outcomes will be analyzed using a t test. This community pharmacy hypoglycemia pilot program has the potential to help with data collection toward the PQA quality measure. Upon completion of this program, Safeway will assess the feasibility of program expansion to other locations and the value of pharmacist interaction, education, and intervention in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes that frequently experience hypoglycemic events from insulin and/or sulfonylurea therapy.