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Study of Cardiovascular Risk Intervention by Pharmacists (SCRIP)

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Study of Cardiovascular Risk Intervention by Pharmacists (SCRIP) is a cholesterol risk management program for patients at high risk for cardiovascular events. The program serves individuals with atherosclerotic disease or diabetes mellitus in combination with another cardiovascular risk factor. Pharmacists provide individual education and a brochure on risk factors, point-of-care cholesterol measurement, referral to their physician, and regular follow-up for 16 weeks. This regular interaction between pharmacist and participant forms a supportive relationship and reinforces adherence to medication. In addition, patients become better informed and feel comfortable asking questions. Pharmacists fax a form to the patient's primary care physician identifying risk factors, medication history, recommendations for further testing, counseling, or medication. The contact between pharmacist and physician encourages health care providers to address heart disease related issues with at-risk patients.

Goal / Mission

The goal of SCRIP is to improve cholesterol risk management among patients at risk for coronary heart disease events.

Results / Accomplishments

In a randomized controlled trial conducted in 54 community pharmacies the SCRIP intervention was compared to a usual care group. A significantly larger portion of the intervention population received a measurement for fasting cholesterol and a new prescription from their health care provider than those in the usual care group (57% vs. 31%, p < 0.001). Participants reduced their 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease, their total cholesterol, and their systolic blood pressure by the end of the 4-month period.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
University of Alberta Epidemiology Coordinating and Research (EPICORE) Centre
Primary Contact
Ross Tsuyuki, BSc, PharmD, MSc
Epidemiology Coordinating and Research (EPICORE) Centre
Division of Cardiology
University of Alberta
213 Heritage Medical Research Centre
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2
Canada
ross.tsuyuki@ualberta.ca
http://www.epicore.ualberta.ca/projects/scrip.html
Topics
Health / Heart Disease & Stroke
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Organization(s)
University of Alberta Epidemiology Coordinating and Research (EPICORE) Centre
Source
Archives of Internal Medicine
Date of publication
2002
Date of implementation
1998
Location
Canada
For more details
Target Audience
Adults
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