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.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
By the authors.


METHODS
By the authors.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA. emsisson@vcu.edu
Evan
E
Sisson
Catherine
C
Kuhn
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003376:Counseling; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010595:Pharmacists; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D024382:Professional Role; D016730:Program Development; D016896:Treatment Outcome