Rural community pharmacy: a feasible site for a health promotion and screening service for cardiovascular risk factors.

A pharmacist-delivered health promotion and screening service for cardiovascular risk factors in rural community pharmacy was implemented in the Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW). We describe the development of the service and profile 204 participants at their initial screening. A standardised clinical protocol guided the pharmacist through delivery of the service. The mean age of participants was 44 years (SD +/- 13). Over half (54%) had a Body Mass Index (BMI) > 25, 54% had cholesterol > 5.0 mmol L-1 and 18% a systolic BP> or = 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP >or = 90 mmHg. Most (80%) received lifestyle information (dietary, exercise or smoking cessation). One third required referral to a general practitioner. Provision of the service through community pharmacy increased the community's access to screening, 28% reported that they had never had their cholesterol measured. Since this new service was able to identify, educate and refer people at risk of cardiovascular disease in a rural community, we recommend a broader adoption through rural pharmacies.