Pharmaceutical care of the patient with diabetes mellitus: pharmacists' priorities for services and educational needs in Scotland

Abstract

Abstract Objective To determine the extent of service provision by pharmacists in Scotland to patients with diabetes. Also, to investigate pharmacists' perceived education needs and their priorities for future service development to this patient group. Setting A random sample of pharmacists in Scotland who had previously participated in NHS Education for Scotland (NES) education. Method Questionnaire survey of pharmacists to estimate extent of provision of 28 defined aspects of diabetes care, educational needs and their professional aspirations. Key findings Approximately two-thirds of community pharmacists who responded offered the following patient-centred services for patients with diabetes and included education/advice on: lifestyle, smoking cessation, medicines administration times, footcare and self-monitoring of glycaemia. Perceived need for further education was found to be linked with levels of service provision. Priorities for development of future services in this patient group were established, and preferred methods of educational support were also examined. Conclusion Pharmacists in Scotland are providing services for patients with diabetes although these are not consistent. The profession in Scotland also has clear ideas of future priorities in practice for this patient group. However there is a need to provide further training and education in order to support service development.