Clinical impact of pharmacist-led interventions for managing chronic hepatitis C: A prospective open-label cohort study in a specialized hepatitis clinic

Abstract

In a prospective open-label study aimed at evaluating the impact of pharmacist interventions on hepatitis C patients undergoing interferon α2a and ribavirin therapy, patients aged 20 to 60 were divided into seven cohorts, with one serving as a control group. A pharmaceutical care plan, structured under the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) format, was developed and implemented for all cohorts. Monthly interviews and questionnaires were utilized to assess compliance and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The results demonstrated significant improvements in pharmaceutical care indicators with pharmacist integration into the healthcare system. Patients who received pharmacist intervention exhibited enhanced compliance and a reduced occurrence of ADRs compared to the control group. These findings underscore the valuable role of pharmacists within the healthcare team, particularly in optimizing patient care during hepatitis C treatment. The incorporation of pharmacists into the treatment process not only led to better adherence to therapy but also contributed to minimizing adverse reactions, thus emphasizing the importance of structured pharmaceutical care plans in improving outcomes for hepatitis C patients undergoing interferon α2a and ribavirin therapy.