Study of preferences of patients with diabetes regard to pharmaceutical services

Abstract

Pharmacies are a component of the healthcare. Pharmaceutical care and pharmaceutical services improve disease control, quality of patients life and reduce of the burden on healthcare. The implementation of pharmaceutical care and pharmaceutical services for patients with diabetes according to the standards of the GPP is relevant for the domestic pharmacy. Therefore, it is advisable to determine the preferences of patients with diabetes because they have their own needs for treatment and control.
 The purpose of the study was to study the views of patients with diabetes regarding to function of pharmacies, pharmaceutical services and determine their preferences.
 The survey of patients with diabetes by the questionnaire method was carried out. Relevant questionnaires of 510 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were included in the study.
 The results of the survey showed that the majority of patients with diabetes would like to be served in a specialized pharmacy that specializes in drugs and medical products for diabetes. On the basis of the study, the preferences of patients with diabetes regarding to the activities of pharmacies were determined: availability of a wide rang of product; loyalty program for special products related to diabetes, additional services and pharmaceutical consultations. The majority of those interviewed noted that they need a pharmacist's consultation on taking medications. This type of service requires training of pharmacists in diabetes in order to provide pharmaceutical care at an appropriate level. Pharmaceutical services which patients with diabetes need were identificated. There are: testing of blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, weight check, calculation of body mass index and interpretation of results. The creation of a «diabetes self-management school» based on pharmacies will improve the availability of education for patients with diabetes. It is necessary to study the demand directly in the area of the pharmacy before introduction this type of service. It is important to implement systematic special events in pharmacies for the World Diabetes Day. Thes is appropriated for the general population, but also for patients with diabetes. From the point of view of patients with diabetes during this event, they are interested in: consultation of an endocrinologist and nutritionist; blood glucose test; test of diabetes risk; information materials about diabetes.
 The results of the survey can be prospectively used to improve the service of patients with diabetes and provide for their needs.