Advanced diabetes credentials for the community pharmacist: A pilot study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to (1) determine the percentage of community pharmacists in Indiana with advanced diabetes credentials; (2) identify the perceived benefits and barriers that pharmacists have toward obtaining advanced diabetes credentials; and (3) assess the intent and interest in pursuing advanced diabetes credentials in the future. METHODS: A cross-sectional statewide telephone survey of community pharmacists in Indiana was conducted from November 2014 to March 2015. Survey items were derived from a compilation of structured and unstructured questions that were of interest to the research team. Questions regarding demographics, current credentials held, and common diabetes-related counseling topics were asked to all respondents. The research team also sought to determine pharmacists' perceptions of the benefits and barriers to obtaining advanced diabetes credentials. The survey was divided into 3 sections personal and professional demographics, current credentials, and perceptions of diabetes credentials. Respondents answered dichotomous, Likert-scale response, and open-ended questions. Six research assistants administered the survey. RESULTS: A total of 1024 community pharmacies were contacted, and 907 pharmacists responded, for an 88.5% response rate. Of the 907 participants, 9 pharmacists (<1%) held advanced diabetes credentials, and 6 others held advanced diabetes credentials that had expired. One-half (50%) of pharmacists agreed that advanced diabetes credentials were important for all community pharmacists, although 45% of all pharmacists surveyed did not think that advanced diabetes credentials were necessary for delivering patient care services. CONCLUSION: Despite the opportunity for community pharmacists to expand their role in advanced diabetes care, few have obtained advanced diabetes credentials, and available research has yet to articulate the barriers inhibiting the process. Results from this pilot survey will provide insight into the future dissemination of a nationwide survey to community pharmacists.