Evaluating the Baseline Prevalence of Menopausal Symptom Management and Change in Management Following Pharmacist-Led Education at a Rural VA Medical Center
by Kaitlyn F Springer, PharmD, MBA, Ashley R Lorenzen, PharmD, Sara E Redding, FNP-BC, Sheri L Ewing, D.O., Jo Ellen Zahn, DNP-BC
Abstract:
Background: To determine the baseline prevalence of menopausal symptom management within primary care visits at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center (OGJVAMC) and to identify the effectiveness of pharmacist-led education provided to primary care providers (PCPs) on menopause symptom management.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed to collect baseline data for women veterans aged 45-60 years old enrolled at OGJVAMC during June 2023. Charts were reviewed to determine if there were assessment, treatment plans, and diagnoses for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Pharmacist-led education and tools for enhanced symptom management were delivered.
Another retrospective review was performed post-intervention to determine any increase in assessment, treatment discussions, treatment prescribed, and diagnoses.
Results: Baseline data was analyzed for 48 veterans, and 81% were assessed by PCPs for VMS and GSM. Ten veterans had experienced symptoms, and appropriate diagnosis was documented for two veterans. Seven veterans were on treatment with two on treatment initiated by a VA provider. Post-intervention, 24 veterans met criteria and 75% were assessed by PCPs for VMS and GSM. Eleven veterans were experiencing symptoms and four had documentation in the problem list. Seven had documented treatment discussions and six had treatment prescribed with four on treatment initiated by a VA provider.
Conclusions: More veterans post-intervention were on treatment for menopause symptoms prescribed by a VA provider. Treatment discussions slightly increased post-intervention. Veterans assessed for VMS and GSM were similar pre- and post-intervention. Diagnoses added to problem lists remains an area for improvement.
Keywords: Menopause, pharmacist-led education, vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause
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2024 September/October Table of Contents
Abstract:
Background: To determine the baseline prevalence of menopausal symptom management within primary care visits at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center (OGJVAMC) and to identify the effectiveness of pharmacist-led education provided to primary care providers (PCPs) on menopause symptom management.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed to collect baseline data for women veterans aged 45-60 years old enrolled at OGJVAMC during June 2023. Charts were reviewed to determine if there were assessment, treatment plans, and diagnoses for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Pharmacist-led education and tools for enhanced symptom management were delivered.
Another retrospective review was performed post-intervention to determine any increase in assessment, treatment discussions, treatment prescribed, and diagnoses.
Results: Baseline data was analyzed for 48 veterans, and 81% were assessed by PCPs for VMS and GSM. Ten veterans had experienced symptoms, and appropriate diagnosis was documented for two veterans. Seven veterans were on treatment with two on treatment initiated by a VA provider. Post-intervention, 24 veterans met criteria and 75% were assessed by PCPs for VMS and GSM. Eleven veterans were experiencing symptoms and four had documentation in the problem list. Seven had documented treatment discussions and six had treatment prescribed with four on treatment initiated by a VA provider.
Conclusions: More veterans post-intervention were on treatment for menopause symptoms prescribed by a VA provider. Treatment discussions slightly increased post-intervention. Veterans assessed for VMS and GSM were similar pre- and post-intervention. Diagnoses added to problem lists remains an area for improvement.
Keywords: Menopause, pharmacist-led education, vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Download PDF
2024 September/October Table of Contents