Pharmacist influence on prescribing in peripheral arterial disease (PIPER)

The objective of this study was to determine the association between a specialist clinical pharmacist working in collaboration with medical staff and prescribing in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A retrospective cohort study was conducted comparing the influence of a dedicated clinical pharmacist on two samples of patients admitted to a single vascular surgery unit in either 2007 (control group) prior to implementation of a comprehensive clinical pharmacy service or 2009 (comparison group) post implementation. Data were obtained via review of medical records and electronic reports. A total of 685 patients were identified, resulting in 964 admissions. The patient to pharmacist ratio decreased from 62 to 33 patients per day in 2009. More patients were initiated on an antiplatelet (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.26 to 9.53, p<0.001) and statin (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.97 to 6, p<0.001) in 2009 compared to 2007. Risk factor modification increased in 2009, resulting in action being taken more often for HbA1c>7% (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.64 to 7.27, p=0.001), total cholesterol >4 mmol/L in females (OR 14.5, 95% CI 2.67 to 78.6, p=0.002) and blood pressure above target (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.73, p=0.05) when a comprehensive clinical pharmacist service was available. There was a non-significant reduction in mortality (18.7% (65) to 14.2% (46), p=0.13) and cardiovascular outcomes (5.5% (19) to 4.3% (14), p=0.44) within 12 months of discharge. In conclusion, prescribing of evidence-based medication for PAD and risk factor modification increased with a comprehensive clinical pharmacist service. This study provides important insight into optimising treatment in this patient group and how a pharmacist can be a helpful addition to the multidisciplinary team.