Influence of structured patient education on therapeutic outcomes in diabetes and hypertensive patients

Background: Poor control of diabetes and hypertension may result in end organ damage and affect the patient’s quality of life. Studies have corroborated the positive influence of patient counseling on improved therapeutic outcomes and enhanced quality of life in patients suffering from chronic disorders. Objective: To assess the influence of structured patient education on therapeutic outcomes in patients with type-2 diabetes and hypertension. Methodology: This is a prospective, randomized study conducted at a South Indian tertiary care teaching hospital after receiving the ethical committee approval. Eligible patients were randomized in to test and control using simple randomization technique. Test group patients received structured patient education and the control group patients received education at the end of the study. At each follow up, blood pressure (BP) and capillary blood glucose (CBG) of all enrolled patients were recorded. At baseline and final follow-up, adherence behavior and Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) of patients towards their disease were assessed using suitable Questionnaires. Results: A significant (p<0.05) improvement in KAP, mean scores of regimen, belief and access screens of BMQ and was observed in all test group patients. Statistically significant (p<0.05) change in BP and CBG score was observed in test group patients. Conclusion: Pharmacist provided structured education in patients with type-2 diabetes and hypertension regarding their disease, medications and lifestyle modifications improved Knowledge Attitude and Practice towards their disease, therapeutic outcomes, and adherence behavior in test group patients compared the patients in control group.