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| Authors | A Serracino Inglott L M Azzopardi M Zarb Adami V Azzopardi |
| Abstract | Introduction: The advent of glycosylated haemoglobin testing (HbA1c) as a point-of-care procedure provides an opportunity for practitioners to monitor the management of diabetes by the patient over a period of time rather than the instantaneous indication given by the blood glucose levels. Aim: To evaluate the impact of using HbA1c testing in a community pharmacy and the provision of individualised patient counseling. Method: A prospective study where patients visited a community pharmacy three times was carried out. During the first (baseline) and third visit (held three months after the first visit), questionnaires addressed to the patients and the HbA1c test were performed to assess patient knowledge. During the second session information was presented to the patients by the pharmaciSt Patients paid 33 Euro for the service. Results: Thirty-four patients participated in the study: average age- 49 years, age range- 28-78 years, 18 females, 16 males, 33 were type 2 diabetics. There was a significant improvement in knowledge and lifestyle, self-care activities and in understanding of HbA1c testing during the third interview compared to baseline (first interview) (p<0.05). The difference in HbA1c test results at 3 months from baseline however was not significant (p=0.79). Conclusion: An improvement in patients knowledge was obtained. The study should be extended to cover a longer time-span to assess the impact of the pharmacist intervention on blood glucose levels through the use of the HbA1c point-of-care test. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | glycosylated haemoglobin, patient knowledge, testing, point of care |