Potential of pharmacists to help reduce the burden of poorly managed cardiovascular risk

K P McNamara; J A Dunbar; B Philpot; J L Marriott; Prasuna Reddy; E D Janus

doi:10.1111/j.1440-1584.2012.01259.x

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Potential of pharmacists to help reduce the burden of poorly managed cardiovascular risk

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Potential of pharmacists to help reduce the burden of poorly managed cardiovascular risk

K P McNamara, J A Dunbar, B Philpot, J L Marriott, Prasuna Reddy and E D Janus

Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.20(2), pp.67-73

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1584.2012.01259.x

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Abstract

cardiovascular risk

health promotion

interprofessional collaboration

pharmacy practice

primary care services

Introduction: Rural areas require better use of existing health professionals to ensure capacity to deliver improved cardiovascular outcomes. Community pharmacists (CPs) are accessible to most communities and can potentially undertake expanded roles in prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective: This study aims to establish frequency of contact with general practitioners (GPs) and CPs by patients at high risk of CVD or with inadequately controlled CVD risk factors. Design, setting and participants: Population survey using randomly selected individuals from the Wimmera region electoral roll and incorporating a physical health check and self-administered health questionnaire. Overall, 1500 were invited to participate. Results: The participation rate was 51% when ineligible individuals were excluded. Nine out of 10 participants visited one or both types of practitioner in the previous 12months. Substantially more participants visited GPs compared with CPs (88.5% versus 66.8%). With the exception of excess alcohol intake, the median number of opportunities to intervene for every inadequately controlled CVD risk factor and among high risk patient groups at least doubled for the professions combined when compared with GP visits alone. Conclusion: Opportunities exist to intervene more frequently with target groups by engaging CPs more effectively but would require a significant attitude shift towards CPs. Mechanisms for greater pharmacist integration into primary care teams should be investigated. © 2012 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health © 2012 National Rural Health Alliance Inc.

Details

Title: Potential of pharmacists to help reduce the burden of poorly managed cardiovascular risk
Authors: K P McNamara (Author) - Flinders University
J A Dunbar (Author) - Flinders University
B Philpot (Author) - Flinders University
J L Marriott (Author) - Flinders University
Prasuna Reddy (Author) - Flinders University
E D Janus (Author) - Flinders University
Publication details: Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.20(2), pp.67-73
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2012.01259.x
ISSN: 1038-5282
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450586302621
Output Type: Journal article

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