Rx for Change: An integrative approach to community-clinical linkages and impact on health outcomes

Pharmacists provide patient education, medication management, and lifestyle support to help improve health outcomes. Expanding the pharmacist's role in community-clinical connections could increase access to health care, especially for populations that may experience multiple barriers to receiving care. The Rx for Change program was created as a response to the health disparities and high burden of chronic disease among the African American community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This pilot study hypothesizes that a well-coordinated, integrative approach to diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention and management will improve health outcomes in predominantly African American communities.

Participants met quarterly with pharmacists, enrolled in chronic disease management programs, and received support for diet and physical activity recommendations over a 1-year period. Demographic and clinical characteristics, readiness for change, program referral and participation, and clinical outcomes were assessed.

Rx for Change enrolled 52 participants that predominantly identified as Black (71.2%). One-quarter of participants were morbidly obese, one-third had Type 2 diabetes, and one-half had hypertension. Engagement with pharmacist visits was high with 82.7% completing at least 3 of 5 visits. Of those engaged with the National Diabetes Prevention Program, 25% lost 5% or more of their body weight and 75% reported completing the recommended 150 min of activity per week. Systolic blood pressure improved by an average of 11.7 mmHg for disease management program participants. Participants reported the medication reviews, health screenings, and diet and lifestyle support were helpful, with two-thirds reporting plans to work with a pharmacist in the future to promote their health.

A community-based, integrative approach was associated with improved health outcomes in predominantly African American communities.