Various factors may contribute to a hypercoagulable state and acute vascular thrombosis. A prospective study was conducted involving 165 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients from the Cardiology Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among factor VIII (FVIII), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and activated protein C resistance (APC-R) state among CHD patients and to look for potential clinical applications from these laboratory findings. There were 110 cases diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), whereas another 55 were stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) patients. PT, APTT, FVIII, and APC-R assays were performed on all subjects. There was a significant difference between the FVIII level and the APTT results (P value < 0.0001). A negative relationship was found between the FVIII level and the APTT from linear regression analysis (R(2) = 10%, P value < 0.0001). For each 1% increase in the FVIII level, the APTT was reduced by 0.013 s (95% confidence interval (CI) between -0.019 and -0.007). Interestingly, none of the SCAD patients had abnormally short APTT. Approximately 68.4% of cases with a positive APC-R assay were found to have a high FVIII level. In conclusion, the APTT test is a potential hemostatic marker for hypercoagulable state including in arterial thrombosis.
Study site: Cardiology unit (outpatient and inpatient), Hospital Universisti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
BACKGROUND: Inconsistent literature evidence suggests that sociodemographic, economic, and system- and patient-related factors are associated with clinic attendance among the HIV-positive population receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) around the world. We examined the factors that predict outpatient clinic attendance among a cohort of HIV-positive patients initiating ART in Selangor, Malaysia.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data on outpatient clinic attendance and sociodemographic, economic, psychosocial, and patient-related factors among 242 adult Malaysian patients initiating ART in Selangor, Malaysia. Study cohort was enrolled in a parent randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Hospital Sungai Buloh Malaysia between January and December 2014, during which peer counseling, medication, and clinic appointment reminders were provided to the intervention group through short message service (SMS) and telephone calls for 24 consecutive weeks. Data on outpatient clinic attendance were extracted from the hospital electronic medical records system, while other patient-level data were extracted from pre-validated Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group (AACTG) adherence questionnaires in which primary data were collected. Outpatient clinic attendance was categorized into binary outcome - regular attendee and defaulter categories - based on the number of missed scheduled outpatient clinic appointments within a 6-month period. Multivariate regression models were fitted to examine predictors of outpatient clinic attendance using SPSS version 22 and R software.
RESULTS: A total of 224 (93%) patients who completed 6-month assessment were included in the model. Out of those, 42 (18.7%) defaulted scheduled clinic attendance at least once. Missed appointments were significantly more prevalent among females (n=10, 37.0%), rural residents (n=10, 38.5%), and bisexual respondents (n=8, 47.1%). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that Indian ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.235; 95% CI [0.063-0.869]; P=0.030) and heterosexual orientation (AOR =4.199; 95% CI [1.040-16.957]; P=0.044) were significant predictors of outpatient clinic attendance among HIV-positive patients receiving ART in Malaysia.
CONCLUSION: Ethnicity and sexual orientation of Malaysian patients may play a significant role in their level of adherence to scheduled clinic appointments. These factors should be considered during collaborative adherence strategy planning at ART initiation.
Study site: Outpatient clinic, Hospital Sungai Buloh Malaysia
BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and it is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults aged 20-74. It is estimated that about 20% of patients with type 2 DM have evidence of diabetic retinopathy at diagnosis with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of DR and to determine risk factors related to diabetic retinopathy among type 2 diabetes patients attending endocrinology clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study design was observational prospective longitudinal follow-up study, the study was conducted with sample of 1077 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatient recruited via attended the diabetes clinics at HUSM. Diagnosis of retinopathy is based on finding the diagnostic signs of retinopathy on eye exams by fundoscopy. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that affect the development of retinopathy.
RESULTS: The prevalence of retinopathy was 39.3%. It has been noticed from this study findings, that the progression of retinopathy is been influenced by five independent risk factors such as duration of diabetes, presence neuropathy, total cholesterol at second and third visit and createnine clearance.
CONCLUSION: DR is highly prevalent among type 2 DM. The progression of retinopathy is been influenced by five independent risk factors such as duration of diabetes, presence neuropathy, total cholesterol at second and third visit and createnine clearance. DR is a serious diabetic complication and public health strategies are required in order to reduce its risk factors and decrease its prevalence.
KEYWORDS: Prevalence; Retinopathy; Risk factors; Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Study site: Endocrinology clinics, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Microalbuminuria is early stage of diabetic nephropathy as well as a marker of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria and associated risk factors among type 2 diabetic outpatients, attending a diabetic clinic in University Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM).
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study design was used in the data collection process. The study sample consists of 1066 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients who fit the inclusion criteria. All the patients were recruited from the diabetic outpatient clinics from HUSM. The study period was from January till December 2008. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed if the urinary albumin excretion more than 30 mg/g of creatinine.
RESULTS: A total of 1661 patients were included in this study. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed in 273 (25.4%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that microalbuminuria was positively associated with duration of hypertension (P=0.044), HbA1c (P=0.004), systolic blood pressure (<0.001), creatinine clearance (P=0.007) and the presence of neuropathy (P=0.004).
CONCLUSION: High prevalence of microalbuminuria was in type 2 diabetic outpatients. Predictive factors for microalbuminuria were duration of hypertension, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, creatinine clearance and the presence of neuropathy. The study suggests the need to screen for microalbuminuria early and the active management of modifiable risk factors in particular, hyperglycemia, hypertension and creatinine clearance, to reduce the burden of end-stage renal disease in the future.
AIMS: To determine the prevalence of hypertension, control of hypertension and patterns of antihypertensive medications in Malaysian type 2 diabetic patients who attended diabetes clinics in Hospital University Sains Malaysia (Tertiary Hospital).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design was observational prospective longitudinal follow-up study; the study was conducted with sample of 1077 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatient recruited whom attended the diabetes clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kelantan. The study period was from January till December 2008. Blood pressure was defined as >130/80 or use of antihypertension medications. Demographic characteristics of patients, level of blood pressure control, use of antihypertensive medications and patterns of antihypertensive therapy.
RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in Malaysian type 2 diabetic patients was 998 (92.7%),antihypertensive drugs were prescribed in 940 (94.2%) of hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus. The achievement of blood pressure control (≤130/80 mmHg) was 471 (47.2%) %. The percentage of patients receiving one, two, three, and four drugs were 253 (25.3%), 311 (31.3%), 179 (17.9%), and 197 (19.7%) respectively. Calcium channel blockers were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents 757 (75.7%) followed by Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors 446 (44.6%), and Angiotensin receptor blockers 42.4 (42.4%).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension is high in Malaysian type 2 diabetic patients, hypertension was not controlled to the recommended levels of blood pressure in about one-half (52.8%) of diabetes patients. Calcium channel blockers were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents. There is an urgent need to educate both patients and health care providers of importance of achieving target of treatment in order to reduce morbidity and mortality due to diabetes with hypertension.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine risk factors and prevalence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) among type II diabetic patients in Malaysian hospital setting.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: a observational prospective longitudinal follow up study design was selected, total no of respondents were 1077 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients recruited via attended the diabetes clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kelantan. The diagnosis of neuropathy was confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that affect the development of neuropathy.
RESULTS: The prevalence of nephropathy is 54.3%. Longitudinal logistic regression identified four predictive variables on the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy that are: duration of diabetes, retinopathy, HbA1c at second visit, and creatinine clearance third visit.
CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show high prevalence of diabetic neuropathy. HbA1c and creatinine clearance are two modifiable risk factors for the development of diabetic neuropathy.
Study site: Diabetes clinics, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Type 2 DM is rapidly rising as a global health care problem that threatens to reach pandemic levels by 2030. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease with no cure and chronic disease that results in major morbidity and mortality. The main objective of this study is to evaluate postprandial plasma glucose level and to determine factors affect on postprandial plasma glucose level among type 2 diabetes outpatients attending endocrinology clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Teaching Hospital.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study design was observational prospective longitudinal follow-up study, the study was conducted with sample of 1077 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatient recruited via attended the diabetes clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kelantan. Post prandial plasma glucose (PPG) parameter to measure the glycaemic control. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that affect the PPG control.
RESULTS: About 426 (39.6%) of the patients did not achieve the optimal postprandial plasma glucose level (<10mmol/l). In this study, the possible factors that affect postprandial plasma glucose levels (PPG) were found to be gender (OR=0.77) and the duration of diabetes (OR=1.12).
CONCLUSION: It has been found that gender and the duration of diabetes are the factors affecting PPG. New strategy to improve the current status of control of diabetes is needed. The study recommends that health-care providers should pay more attention to type 2 DM male patients and patients who had diabetic for long time.
Study site: Endocrine clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
Altered mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the most common denominator to numerous metabolic diseases. The present study sought to investigate the correlation between mtDNA content in lymphocytes and associated clinical risk factors for impaired fasting glucose (IFG). We included 23 healthy control and 42 IFG participants in this cross-sectional study. The measurements of mtDNA content in lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory markers derived from both normal and diseased individuals were quantified. Spearman partial correlation and multivariate statistical analyses were employed to evaluate the association between mtDNA content and other metabolic covariates in IFG. Reduced mtDNA content was observed in the IFG group with microvascular complications than those without complications. The IFG patients with lowest median of mtDNA content had considerably elevated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and inflammation. The adjusted partial correlation analysis showed that mtDNA content was positively correlated with HDL-cholesterol and IL-10 (P
BACKGROUND: Lack of awareness among ex-smokers on the benefits of sustaining smoking cessation may be the main cause of their smoking relapse. This study explored health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and hospital admission amongst chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients according to the duration of smoking cessation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study recruited COPD patients from a chest clinic who agreed to participate in a medication therapy-adherence program from January to June 2013. They were interviewed during their visits to obtain information regarding their smoking history and HRQoL. They were divided into three groups according to smoking status (sustained quitters, quit ≥5 years; quitters, quit <5 years; and smokers, smoking at least one cigarette/day). The effects of the duration of cessation on HRQoL and hospital admission were analyzed using a multinomial logistic model.
RESULTS: A total of 117 participants with moderate COPD met the inclusion criteria, who were comprised of 41 sustained quitters, 40 quitters, and 36 smokers. Several features were similar across the groups. Most of them were married elderly men (aged >64 years) with low-to-middle level of education, who smoked more than 33 cigarettes per day and had high levels of adherence to the medication regimen. The results showed that sustained quitters were less likely to have respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm and dyspnea) than smokers (odds ratio 0.02, confidence interval 0-0.12; P<0.001). The hospital admission rate per year was increased in quitters compared to smokers (odds ratio 4.5, confidence interval 1.91-10.59; P<0.005).
CONCLUSION: A longer duration of quitting smoking will increase the benefits to COPD patients, even if they experience increased episodic respiratory symptoms in the early period of the cessation. Thus, the findings of this study show the benefits of early smoking cessation.
KEYWORDS: HRQoL; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); hospital admission and hospital stay
Study site: Chest Clinic, Hospital Melaka, Malaysia
Two hundred and three patients with psoriasis, who attended the skin clinic were studied to identify the pattern of sporiasis. The incidence was 4%. It was more common in Indians than in the other ethnic groups and this was found to be statistically significant. Males were affected twice as common, 12.5% gave a positive family history, the lower limbs and the scalp were the commonest site, and pruritus was frequent. The pattern appears similar to those in the west.
Study site: Skin clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Patients attending a referral Skin Clinic were studied to identify the spectrum of drug eruptions and the offending drugs. There were 51 patients with an incidence of five per thousand and equal sex incidence. Though the pattern of eruption was broadly similar to other reports, unusual reactions were observed. In addition to the skin manifestation, fever and lymphadenopathy were present in most patients. Raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and eosinopoenia were commonly observed. Clinical acumen and the list of drugs ingested are still the best clues to the diagnosis ofdrug eruption.
Study site: Skin clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated, hyperproliferative skin disease that has substantial impact on the sexual functions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in patients with psoriasis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 79 women with psoriasis attending two Dermatology Outpatient Clinics were interviewed and assessed for female sexual dysfunction and severity of psoriasis. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects were compared between the women with and without sexual dysfunction. The subjects were interviewed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) to exclude any existing psychiatric illness. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using a validated questionnaire on sexual function and the severity of psoriasis was assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).
Results: The prevalence of FSD in the patients with psoriasis was 20.3%, with hypoactive sexual desire being the most prevalent problem (44.3%). Sexual dysfunction was associated with older age, menopause, low body mass index, longer duration of marriage and presence of psoriasis in the genital area. Female sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent in patients with psoriasis.
Conclusion: Management of psoriasis should include assessment in patients’ sexual health. Genital area involvement with psoriasis should not be overlooked as it can cause significant psychosexual distress.
Keywords: Psoriasis, female, sexual dysfunction, prevalence, risk factor, Malaysia
Study site: Dermatology clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The knowledge, attitude and practice of breastfeeding among young mothers during pre-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative implementation was conducted at seven private hospitals in Malaysia. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was given to all mothers (n=Z52) visiting the antenatal/postnatal clinic of the hospitals. The main respondents were Malays (57.5%) and Chinese (35%) . For most mothers, breastfeeding was combined with supplementary feeds of formula milk, with only 30% breastfed exclusively. The majority of mothers knew that breast-milk contained antibodies and can prevent illness, however many were unaware of breastfeeding's contraceptive effect if practised exclusively. Most mothers did not relate breastfeeding as being environmental friendly. Generally, there was no knowledge gained from the experience of having more children with reference to breastfeeding. Most mothers were influenced by their own beliefs regarding choice of feeding method. Therefore, a mother was empowered with the knowledge of all practical aspects of breastfeeding, it would encourage her to breastfeed her baby.
Study site: seven private hospitals in Malaysia
BACKGROUND/AIM: Multiple asthma guidelines have been developed to reduce asthma mortality, morbidity, and cost associated with asthma worldwide. In Malaysia, within this context, it is relatively unknown to what extent doctors adhere to the asthma guidelines. This study aimed to assess guideline adherence and calculate the cost of adhered and nonadhered prescriptions by medical doctors in a public tertiary health care facility.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. One hundred and eighty patients, a total of 30 patients per doctor, were enrolled to assess guideline adherence. The patients were followed for a second visit to assess their lung function. The costs of adhered and nonadhered prescriptions were calculated.
RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three patients (79%) received guideline (Global Initiative for Asthma 2011)-adhering pharmacotherapy. In the majority of patients (n = 133, 73.9%) asthma control was classified as partially controlled. There was no significant association observed between patient asthma control and patient demographics; however, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between lung function values from the first and second visits. The cost of adhered prescription was higher (70.1 Malaysian ringgit) than that of nonadhered prescription (13.74 Malaysian ringgit).
CONCLUSION: Fair levels of guideline adherence were observed. Emphasis should be placed on identifying appropriate cost-effective medication regimens based on patient asthma control and constant feedback from patients.
Study site: Respiratory clinic, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Existing literature suggests that doctors' poor adherence with guidelines is one of the major contributing factors to suboptimal control of hypertension. This study aims to evaluate doctors' adherence with Malaysian clinical practice guideline (CPG 2008) in a tertiary care hospital, and factors associated with guideline adherence and hypertension control.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia. Prescriptions written by 26 enrolled doctors to 650 established hypertensive outpatients (25 prescriptions per enrolled doctor) were noted on visit 1 along with patients' demographic and clinical data. The noted prescriptions were classified either as compliant or non-compliant to CPG (2008). Five hundred twenty (80%) of the enrolled patients (20 patients per enrolled doctor) were followed for one more visit. Blood pressure (BP) noted on visit 2 was related to the prescription written on visit 1. SPSS 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis.
RESULTS: Three hundred forty-nine (67.1%) patients received guidelines compliant pharmacotherapy. In multivariate analysis, hypertension clinic had significant negative association with guidelines adherence. Two hundred sixty-five patients (51%) were at goal BP on visit 2. In multivariate analysis, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and guidelines adherence had significant positive, while renal disease, diabetes mellitus and diabetic clinic had significant negative association with hypertension control.
CONCLUSIONS: An overall fair level of adherence with guidelines and better control of hypertension was observed. Guidelines compliant practices resulted in better control of hypertension. The gaps between what guidelines recommend and clinical practice were especially seen in the pharmacotherapy of uncomplicated hypertension and hypertension with diabetes mellitus and renal disease.
KEYWORDS: Malaysia; adherence; guidelines; hypertension
Study site: Cardiology, nephrology, diabetic and hypertension clinics, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Aim: To evaluate doctors' knowledge, attitude, and practices and predictors of adherence to Malaysian hypertension guidelines (CPG 2008).
Methods: Twenty-six doctors involved in hypertension management at Penang General Hospital were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Doctors' knowledge and attitudes towards guidelines were evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire. Their practices were evaluated by noting their prescriptions written to 520 established hypertensive outpatients (20 prescriptions/doctor). SPSS 17 was used for data analysis.
Results: Nineteen doctors (73.07%) had adequate knowledge of guidelines. Specialists and consultants had significantly better knowledge about guidelines' recommendations. Doctors were positive towards guidelines with mean attitude score of 23.15 ± 1.34 points on a 30-point scale. The median number of guidelines compliant prescriptions was 13 (range 5-20). Statistically significant correlation (rs = 0.635, P < 0.001) was observed between doctors' knowledge and practice scores. A total of 349 (67.1%) prescriptions written were guidelines compliant. In multivariate analysis hypertension clinic (OR = 0.398, P = 0.008), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR = 0.091, P = 0.001) and heart failure (OR = 1.923, P = 0.039) were significantly associated with guidelines adherence.
Conclusion: Doctors' knowledge of guidelines is reflected in their practice. The gap between guidelines recommendations and practice was seen in the pharmacotherapy of uncomplicated hypertension and hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy, renal disease, and diabetes mellitus.
Study site: Cardiology, nephrology, diabetic, and hypertension clinics of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The stigmatisation degree, self-esteem and knowledge either directly or indirectly influence the control and self-management of asthma. To date, there is no valid and reliable instrument that can assess these key issues collectively. The main aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the newly devised and translated "Stigmatisation Degree, Self-Esteem and Knowledge Questionnaire" among adult asthma patients using the Rasch measurement model.
METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study recruited thirty adult asthma patients from two respiratory specialist clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. The newly devised self-administered questionnaire was adapted from relevant publications and translated into the Malay language using international standard translation guidelines. Content and face validation was done. The data were extracted and analysed for real item reliability and construct validation using the Rasch model.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The translated "Stigmatisation Degree, Self-Esteem and Knowledge Questionnaire" showed high real item reliability values of 0.90, 0.86 and 0.89 for stigmatisation degree, self-esteem, and knowledge of asthma, respectively. Furthermore, all values of point measure correlation (PTMEA Corr) analysis were within the acceptable specified range of the Rasch model. Infit/outfit mean square values and Z standard (ZSTD) values of each item verified the construct validity and suggested retaining all the items in the questionnaire. The reliability analyses and output tables of item measures for construct validation proved the translated Malaysian version of "Stigmatisation Degree, Self-Esteem and Knowledge Questionnaire" as a valid and highly reliable questionnaire.
Study site: Respiratory clinics, Hospital Selayang, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
Mammography utilization is low in Iran compared with other countries. Here a cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate psycho-social and individual factors associated with mammography among 400 women asymptomatic of breast cancer. The study was carried out at the four outpatient clinics of Tehran during the period from July through October, 2009. We found that mammography screening was related to higher self-efficacy and women's occupation. Future tailored interventions on potential psycho-social determinants and specific demographic factors are critical in increasing mammography screening rates among Iranian women.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led warfarin management and standardized treatment protocol.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a cardiology referral hospital located in central Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 2009 to 2014. The inclusion criteria were: adult patients who were diagnosed and treated for atrial fibrillation (AF) with warfarin, attended the warfarin medication therapy adherence clinic (WMTAC) for at least 12 weeks, and with at least four international normalized ratio (INR) readings. The electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, type of AF, warfarin dose, INRs, adverse events, co-morbidities, and drug-drug interactions. The outcome measures included the mean time to therapeutic INR, the mean percentage of time in therapeutic range (TTR), bleeding events, and common drug interactions.
Results: Out of 473 patients, 151 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed that there were significant associations between the usual medical care (UMC) group and pharmacist-led WMTAC in terms of TTR (p = 0.01) and INR (p = 0.02) levels. A positive impact of pharmacists' involvement in the WMTAC clinic was where the "pharmacist's recommendation accepted" (p = 0.01) and "expanded therapeutic INR range" (p = 0.04) were statistically significantly higher in the WMTAC group.
Conclusion: There was a significant positive association between the pharmacist-led WMTAC and anticoagulation effect (therapeutic TTR, INR). The identified findings revealed that expanded role of pharmacist in pharmacist-managed warfarin therapy is beneficial to optimize the warfarin therapy. This study also highlighted the critical roles that pharmacists can actively play to ensure optimal anticoagulation pharmaceutical care.
Key messages: What is already known on this subject?
• Pharmacist-managed warfarin therapy is beneficial for optimizing warfarin therapy. In such therapy, recommendations such as dose adjustment and safer alternative drugs (given drug-drug interactions and/or food-drug interactions) are made.
• The active involvement of pharmacists in warfarin adherence clinics could significantly improve adherence.
• However, the warfarin treatment outcomes from UMC, pharmacist-and-physician-led care and pharmacist-led care have not been studied.
• The impact of the implementation of the standardized protocol for the warfarin adherence clinic has not been assessed.
What this study adds?
• INR levels among UMC group and WMTAC group were significantly different.
• Though the TTR level for the WMTAC group was not significantly different than the UMC group, it was higher and close to the targeted 60% level.
• The identified findings show that pharmacists' focus on intervention for missed doses, adherence and dose adjustment provide positive impact on patients' warfarin therapy.
The Reasons For Living Inventory has been shown to have good psychometric properties in Western populations for the past three decades. The present study examined the psychometric properties and factor structure of English and Malay version of the Reasons For Living (RFL) Inventory in a sample of clinical outpatients in Malaysia. The RFL is designed to assess an individual's various reasons for not committing suicide. A total of 483 participants (283 with psychiatric illnesses and 200 with non-psychiatric medical illnesses) completed the RFL and other self-report instruments. Results of the EFA (exploratory factor analysis) and CFA (confirmatory factor analysis) supported the fit for the six-factor oblique model as the best-fitting model. The internal consistency of the RFL was α=.94 and it was found to be high with good concurrent, criterion and discriminative validities. Thus, the RFL is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the various reasons for not committing suicide among psychiatry and medical outpatients in Malaysia.
Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)