A Review of Pharmacist Contributions to Diabetes Care in the United States

Abstract

This paper summarizes the outcomes associated with pharmacist involvement in diabetes care in all pharmacy practice settings. Published literature was identified through a search of MEDLINE (1960 to September, week 1, 2008) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts using the search terms “pharmacist,” “pharmaceutical care,” and “diabetes mellitus.” Only articles reporting clinical or behavior change outcomes were selected for review; papers written outside the United States and citations only in abstract form were not reviewed. The specific data extracted included the following: practice setting, model of care, roles of the pharmacist, study design, number of patients studied, duration of the evaluation, and documented outcomes such as changes in hemoglobin A1c values, adherence to standards of care (lipids, blood pressure, eye exams, foot exams, aspirin use), and changes in quality of life. The greatest improvements in hemoglobin A1c values tend to be observed when pharmacists work in collaborative practice models. Growing evidence demonstrates that pharmacists, working as educators, consultants, or clinicians in partnership with other health care professionals, are able to contribute to improved patient outcomes.