[Pharmaceutical Professional Services for Metabolic Syndrome. Methodology and Analysis: A Pilot Study].

Abstract

Introduction: The survival of Community Pharmacy Services (CPS) within the community pharmacy (CP) model will depend on whether they are economically sustainable. Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is important for its high prevalence and significant associated morbidities. Its early detection is an excellent application of CPS with potential impact in patient outcomes.

Objetives: The aim of this study is to implement a CPS to control MS in a CP using a simple diagnostic method, and to analyze its impact using health and economics indices.

Materials and methods: Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, body mass index and blood pressure parameters were analyzed as they are the defining features of the MS. Anonymous follow-up cards were created with a total 5 sets of tests. The study results were correlated with economic indices of the CP to evaluate patient loyalty.

Results: From December 2019 to December 2022, 219 valid cards were analyzed (55% women; 45% men). 94.1% of the population started the first series of tests; 25.57% continued with at least two; and only 6.85% completed the follow-up for all 5 sets of the tests. Despite a decline in the number of tests completed over the study period, there was an increase in the loyalty of users in the pharmacy, verified by the standardized indicators with an increase in the number of operations and in overall billing.

Conclusions: The introduction of a CPS for self-monitoring of MS in the CP has, besides health benefits for patients, an impact on improving user loyalty and the economic results.