Conclusion
Evidence suggests that strict control over diabetes results in
improvements in overall quality of life; is cost effective and can
delay complications. This highlights the need for DSM approaches
which focuses on intensive management of diabetes involving
regular monitoring, follow-up and continuity of care. This is an
area of expertise where the pharmacist can play a profound role.
Pharmacists are easily accessible and share long-term relations
with most of their chronic patients, which set a good foundation for
mutual trust, respect and better patient compliance.
Community pharmacies are ideally situated to contribute to DSM
programmes and assist in the detection, education and referral
of individuals at risk of diabetes. Since chronic patients visit their
pharmacies at least once a month for their follow-up medicine, this
is the ideal opportunity for a pharmacist to use data- management
software to download a diabetic’s glucometer and to analyse their
glucose trends. Following this, the pharmacist can give advice and
educate the patient to manage his condition more efficiently.
Another plan of action where a pharmacist can get involved with DSM
programmes is to make use of SC. The goals of SC are to organise
training sessions in diabetes management and care for people of all
ages with the disease in order to promote independence, equity and
self-sufficiency. SC held at pharmacies is a feasible way of educating
persons with diabetes. The role of the group leader (in this case a
pharmacist) is to promote learning through active participation rather
than to force a lot of facts. Participants improved their perception of
diabetes and gained subjective control over their disease. Patients
gave and received emotional support in the groups which were
described as a stimulating environment for learning self-care.
Pharmacists could, in fact, play a more active role in quality
diabetes care. Systematically educated pharmacists could perform
group education for diabetes patients, thus easing the burden on
the primary health care centres and giving participants the time
they need. Mutual respect between medical professionals and
the pharmacist for each other’s competence could lead to a wellfunctioning
system for all parties involved.