Assessing the impact of pharmacist led weight loss surgery medication evaluation

Weight loss surgery (WLS) can lead to nutrient deficiencies and altered medication absorption and distribution. Optimizing medication management, including dose changes, initiation, or discontinuation of medications, addressing medication adherence, and patient education, is crucial for positive outcomes.

The primary objective of this initiative was to evaluate the impact of a single pre-WLS pharmacist-led medication reconciliation and education visit on medication adherence, measured by self-reported missed doses over the preceding 7 days. The secondary outcome was an assessment of provider acceptance of pharmacist-driven medication recommendations during routine clinical care.

Medication adherence changes, adherence barriers, and acceptance of pharmacist recommendations were evaluated and reported using descriptive statistics.

This initiative found a statistically significant decrease in medication adherence. The average number of missed doses per week increased significantly from baseline (0.06) to follow-up (1.15) (P= 0.001). Providers accepted at least one pharmacist recommendation for 28 out of 49 patients (57.1%).

This initiative demonstrates the value of pharmacist involvement in WLS care. Medication adherence remained high, and the strong acceptance of pharmacist recommendations supports the benefit of pharmacist led medication review. The minor decline in follow up adherence may reflect reduced post-WLS motivation. Controlled studies are needed to more clearly define the impact of pharmacist services.