Effects of pharmacist-led patient education on diabetes-related knowledge and medication adherence: A home-based study

Objective: Patient education is key to the management of acute and chronic conditions. However, the majority of such educational interventions have been reported from health-care settings. In contrast, this study aims to evaluate whether a home-based intervention can result in better understanding about type 2 diabetes mellitus and can increase adherence to prescribed medications. Method: A non-clinical randomised controlled trial was conducted whereby participants received a home-based educational intervention through a registered pharmacist. A total of 150 patients were randomly assigned to two groups (75 patients in each arm). Diabetes knowledge and medication adherence were measured by means of the 14-item Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test and the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, respectively. Results: No significant differences were observed in either group for demographic variables. There was, however, a significant increase in the participants' levels of knowledge about type 2 diabetes mellitus and medication adherence in the home-based intervention group at the completion of the intervention (p<.001). Significantly lower HbA1c levels were also observed among the home-based intervention group following the intervention (p<.001). Conclusion: A pharmacist-led home-based intervention can significantly increase disease-related knowledge and medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Home-based interventional programmes offer a promising method of patient education and counselling.