(117) Development and Validation of a Virtual Reporting Tool for Diabetic Patients' Conventional and Herbal Medicine Use and Treatment Outcomes at a National Referral Hospital in Kenya

Saturday, August 27, 2022

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CEST

Location: Hall C

Publication Number: 791

Presenting Author(s)

Sylvia Atisa Opanga, PhD
– Dr, University of Nairobi, Department of Pharmacy University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Co-Author(s)

Esther N. Mburu
– Pharmacist intern, Ministry of Health Kenya, Kenya
David N. Kimonge
– Clinical Pharmacist, University of Nairobi, School of Pharmacy, Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and associated multi-system manifestations and complications. Studies have shown concurrent use of conventional and herbal medicines in diabetes management, but data on this is often missing due to lack of tools that can report the simultaneous use.

Objectives: This study sought to develop, test and validate a virtual tool that collected diabetic patients’ medical and medication history including the herbal medicine, to be used to improve patient outcomes.

Methods: A virtual tool that collated patients’ socio-demographic, medical and medication data was developed and tested by pharmacists and medical practitioners for usability. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and interviewed about the use of herbal medicine as well as their opinions on usability of the tool. Data was analysed descriptively. Ethical approval was sought from Kenyatta National Hospital/ University of Nairobi Ethics Review Committee.

Results: A virtual medical and medication tool was developed and validated during the study. Eighteen patients were recruited to test the tool, most of whom were men (10, 56%) and above 50 years (10, 56%). Type 2 diabetes was the most abundant with 61% experiencing at least one or more comorbidities, with elevated blood pressure being the most common (9, 50%). 89% (n=16) patients were using herbal medicine, with ginger, garlic and thorn melon combination being commonly used (22%). Blood sugars ranged from 6-10mmol/l for most patients. Six medical personnel validated the tool, and most were female (5,83%). All (100%) the medical personnel experienced ease in navigating the tool while monitoring the patients, in tracking the herbal medicine the patients were using, the ability to obtain patients’ random blood sugar (RBS) and also, they found the tool applicable in daily diabetic patient management.

Conclusions: Integration and use of the developed virtual tool is important in not only monitoring the diabetic patients and their use of herbal and conventional medicines, but also in improving patient interaction with the medical personnel and their outcomes