Evaluation of a pharmacist-managed anemia service in pregnant patients

Studies have shown the positive impact pharmacist-managed services have on patient care. However, little information is available on services for pregnant patients. This study contributes to the current literature by providing data on the impact of a pharmacist-managed service on outcomes in pregnant patients with iron-deficiency anemia.

This was a retrospective, data-only, multicenter study comparing pregnant patients with iron-deficiency anemia managed by a pharmacist (n = 100) to those who received standard care (n = 100). During the study period, patients were 16 years of age or older and pregnant with concurrent iron-deficiency anemia. The percentage of patients with a hemoglobin level above goal (>11.0 g/dL) at delivery, the mean hemoglobin level at delivery, and the type of iron supplementation were compared between the groups.

The percentage of patients with a hemoglobin level of greater than 11.0 g/dL at delivery was 87% for the pharmacist-managed group compared to 71% for the group receiving standard care (P < 0.01). The mean hemoglobin level at delivery was significantly higher in the pharmacist-managed group than in the group receiving standard care, at 12.1 g/dL vs 11.6 g/dL, respectively (P < 0.1). There was no difference between the groups in the percentage of patients receiving blood transfusions (4% vs 3%; P = 0.56). The percentage of patients who received intravenous iron was significantly lower in the pharmacist-managed group than in the group receiving standard care (8% vs 21%; P < 0.01). Most patients in the pharmacist-managed group received oral ferrous sulfate (81%).

This study showed that including pharmacists in the management of pregnant patients with iron-deficiency anemia significantly improved patient hemoglobin levels at delivery.