Clinical pharmacist role in improving the knowledge and outcomes in patients using isotretinoin: A randomized, controlled study()

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of a clinical pharmacist in improving knowledge and outcomes among isotretinoin users. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (received education about isotretinoin by a clinical pharmacist in addition to the physician) and a control group (received routine education by the physician), then followed for three months. Patients' knowledge about isotretinoin optimal use, and side effects and their management and other outcomes were measured in both groups at baseline and at follow up after three months using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Two-hundred and three patients completed the study; 103 were in the intervention group and 100 in the control group. The knowledge improvement between baseline score and follow-up score was greater in the intervention group (mean = 2.835 ± 1.329) compared to the control group (mean = 0.530 ± 0.784) with mean differences = −2.30495, P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Implementing clinical pharmacy services in dermatology clinics can positively increase patients’ level of knowledge about isotretinoin, which could reduce the severity of its side effects. Therefore, improving patients' quality of life, and improvement in acne. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Implementing clinical pharmacist services to patients using isotretinoin is feasible in an outpatient setting. Clinical pharmacist counseling and education improve the medication knowledge among patients who use isotretinoin.