European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IMPACT OF A PHARMACEUTICAL CARE SERVICE OFFERED TO PATIENTS SUFFERING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITHIN AN AMBULATORY SETTING

*Ana María Rodríguez-Peláez y Peña

ABSTRACT

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the impact of a newly developed pharmaceutical care services
directed to patients with rheumatoid arthritis attending an out-patient setting. A total of 54 patients participated in
the study and were randomly divided into two equal groups, Group A and Group B. The study was carried out
over three phases. In phase 1, Group A patients were assessed and offered a pharmaceutical care session. Group B
patients were assessed but no pharmaceutical care session was delivered. At phase 2, group A patients were reassessed.
Group B patients were re-assessed a second time and a pharmaceutical care session was offered to Group
B patients. At phase 3 both groups were re-assessed a third time. The newly developed individualized
pharmaceutical care service provided by the pharmacist led to an improved quality of life as measured by the
health-related quality of life questionnaires.

Keywords: pharmaceutical care, quality of life, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, drug therapy problems, pharmacist contribution.