Original Research
Sunday, November 12, 2023
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Statins are highly effective in reducing risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) but are often under-prescribed for primary prevention. Recent community pharmacy-based studies demonstrate increased statin prescribing for primary prevention in patients with diabetes. However, no study has investigated the impact of community-based pharmacists conducting ASCVD risk assessments to determine statin eligibility.
Research Question or Hypothesis: Can ASCVD risk assessment conducted within the community pharmacy setting identify individuals who qualify for statin therapy for primary ASCVD prevention?
Study Design: This study is a prospective cohort study conducted at community pharmacies in New Mexico. Participants were identified through screening of community pharmacy records.
Methods: Participants eligible for inclusion were between 40-79 years old with diabetes or 50-79 years old with hypertension and/or current tobacco smoker. Individuals were excluded if they were currently prescribed a statin. Eligible participants were consented and scheduled at their community pharmacy for an ASCVD risk assessment where they were counseled by the pharmacist about their risk assessment and possible statin eligibility. Participants were then given an anonymous survey surrounding their perceptions of the service and interest in pharmacist-prescribed statins. The primary endpoint was the number of statin eligible participants.
Results: 57 participants completed the ASCVD risk assessment. Of those, 45 (78%), were possible statin candidates. 17 participants (29%) qualified for statin therapy based on the presence of diabetes. 53 participants (92%) agreed or strongly agreed that the ASCVD risk screening performed by the pharmacist was helpful and informative. 44 participants (77%) indicated that if the ASCVD screening demonstrated statin eligibility, they trusted the pharmacist to prescribe a statin.
Conclusion: The majority of participants were eligible for statin therapy. Most participants indicated trust in the pharmacist to prescribe statins. This study supports the need for community pharmacist involvement in statin prescribing to help close a gap in care.
Presenting Author
Kjersten Sankey PharmDUniversity of New Mexico College of Pharmacy
Authors
Joe Anderson PharmD
University of New Mexico
Kelsea Aragon PharmD
The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy
Raechel White PharmD
University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy
Gretchen Ray PharmD
University of New Mexico