Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Impact of Pharmacist-Managed Diabetes Care on Clinical Outcomes in Rural Health Clinics
Sarah E Wheeler1,2,3, Abby Lennon1,4, David Switzer2,5
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA.
Background:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)-designated Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) play a critical role in addressing diabetes in medically underserved areas. To address care gaps, 2 RHCs implemented an innovative collaborative pharmacist care model.
Objective:
This IRB-exempt retrospective study evaluated the impact of integrated pharmacist care on clinical outcomes for patients referred for diabetes management in 2 RHCs.
Methods:
Outcomes were analyzed for people receiving collaborative pharmacist-managed diabetes care between August 2021 and October 2023. Changes in pre-/postclinical outcomes and medication management were evaluated for patients who received pharmacist-provided care. The primary outcome was change in A1C from baseline to the end of the episode of care.
Results:
Ninety-three patients received care over a median (IQR) of 247 (143, 405.5) days. Mean A1C significantly decreased from 9.3% to 7.7% (P < 0.001). Guideline-directed medication optimization improved significantly for patients with concomitant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and obesity. Heart failure medication optimization showed improvement but was not statistically significant. Significant increases were observed in continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and statin use.
Conclusion And Relevance:
A collaborative pharmacist care model in RHCs significantly improved glycemic control and increased utilization of guideline-directed medication therapy for diabetes and cardiometabolic comorbidities. These findings add to the growing body of literature demonstrating positive clinical outcomes of pharmacist services in rural clinics and underscore the need for financial models that recognize the clinical value of pharmacist services in the RHC setting.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Impact of Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Models: Regulatory Decisions
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Problems