NSAID-avoidance education in community pharmacies for patients at high risk for acute kidney injury, upstate New York, 2011.

Jang, Soo Min; Cerulli, Jennifer; Grabe, Darren W; Fox, Chester; Vassalotti, Joseph A; Prokopienko, Alexander J; Pai, Amy Barton

NSAID-avoidance education in community pharmacies for patients at high risk for acute kidney injury, upstate New York, 2011.

Issue Date

2014-12-18

Authors

Jang, Soo Min

Cerulli, Jennifer

Grabe, Darren W

Fox, Chester

Vassalotti, Joseph A

Prokopienko, Alexander J

Pai, Amy Barton

Abstract

Introduction: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently associated with community-acquired acute kidney injury (AKI), a strong risk factor for development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Using access to prescription medication profiles, pharmacists can identify patients at high risk for NSAID-induced AKI. The primary objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community pharmacy-based patient education program on patient knowledge of NSAID-associated renal safety concerns. Methods: Patients receiving prescription medications for hypertension or diabetes mellitus were invited to participate in an educational program on the risks of NSAID use. A patient knowledge questionnaire (PKQ) consisting of 5 questions scored from 1 to 5 was completed before and after the intervention. Information was collected on age, race, sex, and frequency of NSAID use. Results: A total of 152 participants (60% women) completed both the pre- and post-intervention questionnaire; average age was 54.6 (standard deviation [SD], 17.5). Mean pre-intervention PKQ score was 3.3 (SD, 1.4), and post-intervention score was 4.6 (SD, 0.9) (P = .002). Participants rated program usefulness (1 = not useful to 5 = extremely useful) as 4.2 (SD, 1.0). In addition, 48% reported current NSAID use and 67% reported that the program encouraged them to limit their use. Conclusion: NSAID use was common among patients at high risk for AKI. A brief educational intervention in a community pharmacy improved patient knowledge on NSAID-associated risks. Pharmacists practicing in the community can partner with primary care providers in the medical home model to educate patients at risk for AKI.

Citation

Jang SM, Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Fox C, Vassalotti JA, Prokopienko AJ, Pai AB. NSAID-avoidance education in community pharmacies for patients at high risk for acute kidney injury, upstate New York, 2011. Prev Chronic Dis. 2014 Dec 18;11:E220. doi: 10.5888/pcd11.140298. PMID: 25523351; PMCID: PMC4273546.