Prevalence of complication in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in medication refill clinic at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, are leading causes of premature mortality and have increasing prevalence worldwide, contributing to congestion in healthcare facilities. The Family Medicine Clinic at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital established a medication refill clinic to reduce crowding and ensure continuity of care. However, complications occurring during participation in the program have not been reviewed.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of complications and compare clinical outcomes in NCD patients during participation in the medication refill clinic.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2022. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia who participated in the program (n=2,785) were included. Data on complications and clinical outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic and clinical characteristics. Paired t-tests were applied to compare clinical outcomes before and after enrollment at 6- and 12-month follow-ups, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 65.9 ± 10.51 years. Among them, 820 (29.4%) had diabetes, 2,503 (89.9%) had hypertension, and 2,404 (86.3%) had dyslipidemia. Complications occurred in 21 patients (0.8%). At 6 months, blood pressure, HbA1c, and serum creatinine showed statistically significant changes (p<0.001), though these differences were not clinically significant. At 12 months, no statistically significant changes were observed (p>0.05). Most patients (69.5%) did not visit the hospital for other conditions during the program.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The prevalence of complications among NCDs patients in the medication refill clinic was low and comparable to routine care. Although outcomes differed statistically, the changes were not clinically significant. Establishing a medication refill clinic may reduce hospital crowding and support continuity of care in well-controlled patients.
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