Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: Gout is the one of the most common rheumatic diseases in the United States’ adult population. Prevalence of gout continues to rise in America due to increases in disease states such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Other major contributing factors include the typical American diet, hearty in organ meats and sugary soft drinks. The American College of Rheumatology produced guidelines in 2012 that point to lack of patient education and reduced compliance to therapies as major contributors. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to optimize patient care in patients with a gout diagnosis.
Methods: This study will retrospectively identify patients within the James H. Quillen Veteran Affairs Medical Center with a uric acid level not at goal (less than 6 milligrams/deciliter), or those with a history of a gout-related emergency department visit, or those receiving medication regimens that are not guideline focused. The tools to collect these patients include diagnosis codes, current medication regimens, and referrals from other providers. The patients collected from this query will be enrolled in the clinic run by a pharmacist. Visits will take place via telephone, video, or in person. A clinical pharmacist specializing in pain will be conducting, or overseeing residents or students during the visits. During the clinic visit, education on the disease state of gout, risk factors, and treatment will all be discussed. Patient regimens will be adjusted or initiated based on guideline-recommended treatment and clinician expertise. The primary and secondary outcomes include percentage of patients reaching goal uric acid levels after intervention compared to previous, decrease in number of gout-related emergency visits, pre-versus post-clinic quality of life questionnaire results, number of gout flares, and quantity of pharmacotherapy interventions made by the pharmacist.
Results: not applicable
Conclusion: not applicable
Kera Sumner
– Pharmacy Resident, James H. Quillen Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Piney Flats, TN117 Views