Transforming diabetes and cardiovascular care through pharmacy-based point-of-care testing

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Preventative care in action: A patient’s journey with POCT health checks

Pharmacies across Australia are redefining healthcare delivery by adopting point-of-care testing (POCT), a transformative tool to enhance patient outcomes.

A 65-year-old man in regional NSW experienced the life-changing potential of pharmacy-based POCT during a routine visit, underscoring its critical role in preventative care.

A life-saving opportunity

Prompted by a local health campaign, the patient sought a POCT health check to better understand his health risks.

A friendly conversation with the pharmacist revealed several red flags: a BMI of 35.8 (Obese, Class II)¹, a high AUSDRISK score of 24, and a strong family history of diabetes.²

Further assessments using POCT uncovered prediabetes (HbA1c of 6.0%)^3,4,5, elevated triglycerides (3.33 mmol/L)^{6, 7}, and mild hypertension (143/85 mmHg).^{8, 9}

The pharmacist provided clear explanations, emphasising the urgency of addressing these risks to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

A tailored plan for better health

The pharmacist collaborated with the patient to create a personalised, achievable management plan:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Referral to a dietitian for dietary advice, encouragement to engage in daily exercise, and a goal of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
2. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular POCT checks every 3-6 months for HbA1c, blood pressure, and lipid profiles, coupled with weight management support.
3. Pharmacist Support: Monthly check-ins to address challenges and provide motivation, alongside referrals for further medical assessments when necessary.

The value of early intervention

This case highlights the power of pharmacies in preventative healthcare.

Early detection through POCT allowed the patient to take proactive steps to manage his health, ultimately reducing his risk of developing chronic diseases.

Broader impacts

Pharmacy-based POCT offers far-reaching benefits, including improved health outcomes, reduced regional healthcare disparities, and enhanced public health initiatives.

By empowering communities, pharmacies are evolving from medicine dispensers to vital health hubs, driving change one patient at a time.

*All patient information has been de-identified to safeguard their privacy.

References:

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Measuring Overweight and Obesity. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/overweight-obesity/overweight-and-obesity/contents/measuring-overweight-and-obesity. Accessed January 23, 2025.
2. Australian Government Department of Health. The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/the-australian-type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment-tool-ausdrisk.pdf. Accessed January 23, 2025.
3. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). HbA1c Blood Tests. https://jdrf.org.au/hba1c-blood-tests/. Accessed January 23, 2025.
4. Australian Diabetes Society. ADS Summary: Prediabetes Position Statement. https://www.diabetessociety.com.au/downloads/covid-19-articles/20200615%20ADS_Summary_Prediabetes_Position_Statement.pdf. Accessed January 23, 2025.
5. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. More Than Just a Number. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2021/september/more-than-just-a-number. Accessed January 23, 2025.
6. Better Health Channel. Triglycerides. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/triglycerides. Accessed January 23, 2025.
7. Healthdirect Australia. Triglycerides. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/triglycerides. Accessed January 23, 2025.
8. NPS MedicineWise. Understanding Blood Pressure. https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/understanding-blood-pressure. Accessed January 23, 2025.
9. Healthdirect Australia. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/high-blood-pressure-hypertension. Accessed January 23, 2025.

Text and feature image by: IPA/Instigo.