Background: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) postsurgical complications are increased in patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. Reducing BMI prior to surgery can be complicated and it is important to find effective methods to achieve weight loss goals prior to surgery. Pharmacy services have proven to be effective models for weight loss in prior studies and may be an avenue for achieving BMI reduction prior to TJA surgeries.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the benefit of pharmacist-driven interventions in an ambulatory care setting to achieve weight loss goals prior to TJA orthopedic surgeries.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients referred from an orthopedic surgeon's office to a clinical pharmacist service providing chronic disease state management. Patients were referred based on need to decrease BMI prior to TJA orthopedic surgeries. Visits included evaluations of medications, education on weight loss management techniques, including therapeutic lifestyle changes, and recommendations for weight loss medications.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in post-BMI when compared with pre-BMI (P = .007). Of 16 subjects who had complete pre- and post-BMI measurements, 4 (25%) subjects met their BMI goal. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of appointments and difference in BMI (ρ = -0.71, P = .002).
Conclusion: Pharmacists may be utilized in a collaborative health care model in the ambulatory care setting to assist patients with lifestyle or medication management to achieve weight loss prior to orthopedic surgeries.
Keywords: ambulatory care; body mass index; obesity management; orthopedic complications.