Medicine therapy management for diabetic club Patients at a primary health care clinic: exploring a Potential role for pharmacists

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic condition and has become a major public health concern worldwide. Many diabetic patients are accessing primary health care (PHC) clinics for diabetes care. Diabetic patients who are considered stable are referred to chronic diseases of lifestyle club at the PHC facility. Effective management of this chronic condition requires a multidisciplinary team approach to diabetes care. Pharmacists are not often included in a multidisciplinary team and would consist of doctors, nurses and dieticians. Teams may be expanded and require specialist healthcare members’ expertise who can assist in the management of this disease, for example, ophthalmologists and podiatrists. Adherence to standard treatment guidelines (STGs) for the management of diabetes by healthcare professionals at a primary care level can improve glycemic control, decrease health costs and reduce the development of long-term diabetic complications.