If we build it, will they come? Exploring feasibility of community pharmacy diabetes care services

Abstract

Pharmacists have been well established for their role in diabetes care services, both in improving patient health outcomes as well as decreasing overall costs of care. The community pharmacy environment is currently challenging, and there are efforts to transform these practices to become more patient-centered. There are two standardized programs, the diabetes self-management education and support program and the national diabetes prevention program, that are available for pharmacists to deliver in the community setting. These programs offer some revenue generation for services but pose some challenges in their delivery as well. Exploring facilitators and barriers to these programs, and to diabetes care services in general, with a focus on community pharmacy practice, is important. Revenue generation needs to offset personnel cost and justify the resources dedicated to expand community practice beyond traditional dispensing. Further payer reform, likely with integrating medical billing, is essential for further progress to be made in this area.