A Pilot Evaluating Clinical Pharmacy Services in an Ambulatory Psychiatry Setting

A pilot of clinical services provided by psychiatric clinical pharmacists in an outpatient clinic are described and evaluated. The primary objective was to evaluate the difference in change of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Questionnaire scores between the two groups. Secondary objectives were to assess time patients spent in clinic, time to target psychotropic medication dose, and patient self-reported medication adherence.

Data were collected from January 2014 to November 2015 for patients with depression and/or anxiety who had an appointment within an outpatient psychiatric clinic with either a provider (control) or both a provider and clinical pharmacist (case).

A total of 217 patients were included in the study; 117 patients served as controls and 100 patients received clinical pharmacist intervention. No statistical difference was detected in the primary outcome. However, patients in the case group had higher baseline PHQ-9/GAD scores, and the frequency of measured values was lower than anticipated, limiting power to detect a difference. All secondary outcomes achieved statistical significance. Both time in clinic and time to reach a stabilized psychotropic medication regimen were shorter in the control group. Patient self-reported adherence favored a higher adherence rate in the intervention group.

While this study found no significant difference in the change in PHQ-9/GAD scores between groups, it demonstrated the need for enhanced utilization of measurement-based outcomes in the psychiatric setting. Pharmacists provide a range of services to patients and providers and can serve as key partners to enhance measurement-based care.