Background
Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is a health issue mainly affecting farmers in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Many patients do not feel sick until the disease is quite severe. As it gets worse, patients can face other health problems like anemia and heart issues. Taking too many medications can make it hard for patients to stick to their treatment plans. This study looked at how clinical pharmacy services could help patients with CKDu better manage their medications and improve their quality of life (QOL).
What Was Done?
This study was called a randomized controlled trial. It involved patients at a hospital who were in the later stages of CKDu. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups:
- Control Group (CG): Received standard medical care.
- Intervention Group (IG): Received standard care plus four sessions with a clinical pharmacist to discuss their medications over a year.
The study measured how well patients followed their medication plans and their quality of life at the start and after 12 months.
What Were the Results?
Out of 252 participants, 196 completed the study. Here’s what they found:
- Patients in the IG had better medication adherence scores compared to those in the CG (lower scores mean better adherence).
- The quality of life scores were significantly higher in the IG across all three measured areas: kidney health, physical health, and mental health.
What Can This Mean for Patients and Clinics?
The results suggest that adding clinical pharmacy services can help CKDu patients follow their medication plans better and feel healthier overall. This is important for doctors and hospitals as it points to effective ways to improve patient care.
How Can Hospitals and Doctors Use These Findings?
- Start clinical pharmacy services in clinics to support CKDu patients.
- Train pharmacists to provide counseling sessions for patients on medication use.
- Encourage follow-up visits to monitor patient adherence and quality of life.
What Should Clinics Track?
- Measure how well patients are sticking to their medication plans.
- Monitor changes in quality of life using simple surveys.
- Keep track of any health complications that may arise.
Are There AI Tools That Can Help?
- Use AI scheduling tools to set up reminders for patient follow-ups.
- Implement AI-driven apps that help patients track their medication intake.
Step-by-Step Plan for Clinics
- Start by introducing clinical pharmacy services on a small scale.
- Train a few pharmacists to provide medication counseling.
- Gradually increase sessions based on patient needs and feedback.
- Regularly assess patient outcomes and adjust services as needed.
For more detailed information, you can view the research here: Impact of clinical pharmacy services on medication adherence and quality of life in pre-dialysis patients with CKDu.
