Evaluation of community pharmacists' preparedness for the provision of cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management services: A study with simulated patients

Background

Individuals who suffer from major cardiovascular events every year have one or more risk factors. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment is an important strategy for the early identification of modifiable risk factors and their management. There is substantial evidence that shifting the focus from treatment to primary prevention reduces the burden of CVD.

Objectives

To evaluate the preparedness of community pharmacists in Qatar for the provision of CVD risk assessment and management services; and to explore the pharmacists' views on the provision of these services.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using simulated-client methodology. Using standardized scenarios, community pharmacists were approached for consultation on two medicines (Aspirin^® and Crestor^®) used for managing specific CVD risk factors. Pharmacists' competency to assess CVD risk was the primary outcome evaluated. Scores for each outcome were obtained based on the number of predefined statements addressed during the consultation.

Results

The mean cumulative score for all the competency outcomes assessed was 11.7 (SD 3.7) out of a possible score of 31. There were no differences for the majority of the competencies tested between the two scenarios used. Significantly more pharmacists exposed to the Aspirin^® scenario than to the Crestor^® scenario addressed hypertension as one of the risk factors needed to assess CVD risk (22% versus 11%, p?=?0.03); whereas significantly more pharmacists in the Crestor^® scenario compared to the Aspirin^® scenario, addressed dyslipidemia as one of the risk factors needed to assess CVD risk (30% versus 7%, p?=?0.02). Significantly more pharmacists exposed to the Aspirin^® scenario provided explanation about CVD risk than those exposed to the Crestor^® scenario 36% versus 8%, p?<?0.01).

Conclusion

The results suggest that many community pharmacists in Qatar are not displaying competencies that are necessary for the provision of CVD prevention services.