Diabetes Medication Assistance Service: The pharmacist's role in supporting patient self-management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Australia

Objective: To evaluate the capacity and effectiveness of trained community pharmacists in delivering the Diabetes Medication Assistance Service (DMAS) via (1) number and types of self-management support interventions (SMSIs); (2) number of goals set and attained by patients and (3) patient outcomes (glycaemic control, medication adherence and satisfaction). Methods: Pharmacists (n = 109) from 90 community pharmacies in Australia were trained and credentialed to deliver the DMAS. The training focused on developing pharmacists' knowledge and skills in supporting patients' diabetes self-management. Results: A total of 387 patients completed the trial. The mean number of SMSIs per patient was 35 (SD 31) and the majority (87%) had at least one documented goal that was fully or partially attained. There were significant health benefits for patients including improved glycaemic control and a reduced risk of nonadherence to medications. Over 90% of DMAS patients reported improvements in their knowledge about diabetes self-management. Conclusion: The DMAS provides self management support in the community pharmacy for people with T2DM which may result in improved clinical outcomes. Practice implication: Given appropriate training in diabetes care and behavior change strategies, community pharmacists can offer programs which provide self-management support to their patients with T2DM and improve their health outcomes.