Pharmacist roles in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective: To summarize the current and future roles of pharmacists in providing care to and educating patients with diabetes. Data sources: Review articles and studies describing the role, function, and impact of pharmacists participating in diabetes care and education were reviewed. A literature search was conducted in Medline (1996 to July 2008) using the search terms diabetes, pharmacist, and collaborative practice. Reference lists from comprehensive review articles were also used to identify additional original research publications. Study selection: By the authors. Data extraction: By the authors. Data synthesis: As the diabetes epidemic continues to grow, primary care providers may find their ability to respond to patient needs increasingly challenged. In the coming years, patients with diabetes will likely need to engage a team of educators, coaches, and specialists rather than a sole provider. The challenge for the patient education-treatment team will be effective communication and collaboration as the patient passes from one care level to the next. Well-educated, motivated patients benefit most from collaborating with a multidisciplinary patient care team that aggressively and systematically seeks to optimize clinical outcomes. Whether in the role of coach, educator, or direct-care provider, pharmacists are vital members of this interdisciplinary diabetes care team. Conclusion: With the increasing complexity of therapy regimens and overwhelming numbers of patients with type 2 diabetes, the pharmacist's role has expanded beyond dispensing medications, counseling on adverse effects, and monitoring for contraindications to include evaluation and initiation of new agents to optimize patient outcomes.