Raising and Measuring the Awareness of CANRISK in Canadian Pharmacists

Abstract

CANRISK is the only “made in Canada” diabetes risk questionnaire with scientifically validated risk scores. It is intended to help Canadians identify their risk of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. In the hands of the over 30,000 Canadian pharmacists, Canadians can access this evidence-based tool, and receive information on diabetes prevention from trusted and accessible health care professionals. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Pharmacists Association partnered to disseminate CANRISK, promote it as available in 13 languages, educate pharmacists on its use in community pharmacy and evaluate pharmacists’ awareness of, uptake and satisfaction with the tool. Eight surveys were launched to evaluate CANRISK, including a baseline survey targeting all Canadian pharmacists. A response from 150 pharmacists was deemed to be statistically significant. Baseline results indicate that 28% recalled receiving information on CANRISK; 25% read or reviewed it; only 13% were aware that CANRISK is available in 13 languages; 64% were very or somewhat likely to recommend a tool like CANRISK; 11% used it with their patients; 55% would be more inclined to use it if it were incorporated into a medication review or other automatic reminder when consulting with patients; 58% would recommend CANRISK to a colleague; and 93% feel a responsibility to support patients in implementing lifestyle changes aimed at decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Baseline results are promising. This evaluation will enable us to assess the effectiveness of the CANRISK tool as an aid in pharmacists’ chronic disease prevention efforts.