IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF A PHARMACIST-RUN GOUT CLINIC IN THE VETERAN POPULATION Kera Sumner, Kellie Rose, Robyn Ward James H. Quillen VA Medical Center PGY1 - Mountain Home, TN
Background/Purpose: According to the American College of Rheumatology, gout is one of the most common rheumatic diseases in the US adult population and there is a notable gap in quality of care. This gap is thought to be attributable to the lack of patient education and medication compliance which largely increases the burden on the patient_x0019_s quality of life by increasing gout attack frequency and intensity. Currently, James H. Quillen has over 8,000 patients with a diagnosis of gout. The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-run gout clinic within a VA Medical Center since the nature of gout management has shifted over the years from previously only prescribing colchicine without utilizing or optimizing uric acid lowering therapies.
Methodology: Patients for this study were recruited by referrals from other healthcare providers, by recurrent emergency department visits pertaining to gout, or by having an active colchicine prescription without urate lowering therapy. Patients were then contacted to discuss the new service and enrolled in clinic if interested. The pharmacist had an initial face-to-face visit with labs ordered as appropriate and then follow-up visits were conducted predominantly by telephone. Counseling and education was provided as needed with emphasis on diet and maintenance versus acute gout flare therapies. During the visit, development of a gout attack action plan regarding nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions as well as preventative therapy were discussed and implemented.
Presentation Objective: To discuss the development, implementation, and interventions made in a pharmacist-run gout clinic.
Self-Assessment: What are the benefits and challenges associated with a pharmacist-run gout clinic?
