An Effectiveness Evaluation of a Primary Care–Embedded Clinical Pharmacist–Led Intervention Among Blacks with Diabetes

Background Black individuals with type 2 diabetes suffer disproportionate morbidity and mortality relative to whites with type 2 diabetes, irrespective of health insurance coverage. Objective Examine the impact of a primary care–embedded clinical pharmacist–led intervention (UCMyRx) on cardiovascular risk factor control among blacks with type 2 diabetes in a large healthcare system. Design We used data extracted from the electronic health records (EHR) system and a difference-in-differences study design with a propensity-matched comparison group to evaluate the impact of UCMyRx on HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (SBP) among black patients with type 2 diabetes, relative to usual care. Participants Individuals with type 2 diabetes identified as either black or African American in the EHR that were ≥ 18 years of age that had the following observations during the study window (03/02/2013–12/31/18: (1) HbA1C ≥ 8%, at least once, anywhere between 365 days before and 14 days after the UCMyRx visit and a follow-up HbA1c measure within 120 to 365 days after the visit and/or (2) SBP ≥ 140 mmHg at least once between 365 days before and 14 days after the UCMyRx visit that had a follow-up SBP measure within 120 to 450 days after the visit. Intervention UCMyRx pharmacists review labs and vital signs, perform medication reconciliation, use a standardized survey to assess barriers to medication adherence, and develop tailored interventions to improve medication adherence. Main Measures Change in HbA1c and change in SBP from before to after the first UCMyRx visit. Key Results Having at least one visit with a UCMyRx clinical pharmacist was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c (− 0.4%, p value = .01); however, there was no significant impact on SBP (− .051 mmHg, p value = 0.74). Conclusions The UCMyRx intervention is a useful strategy for improving HbA1c control among blacks with type 2 diabetes.