National Survey of Pharmacist Certified Diabetes Educators

Abstract

We sought to determine the demographics of pharmacists who were certified diabetes educators (CDEs) and information about their training, professional affiliations, and types of diabetes education services that they provide. We also queried these pharmacists about clinical activities, reimbursement, impact of certification, and intent to pursue CDE recertification. A list of pharmacists who were CDEs as of August 31, 2000, was obtained from the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. We then sent a six-page anonymous survey to 415 pharmacist CDEs; 233 surveys (56.1%) were returned. Of these respondents, 140 are women and 93 are men, with a mean age of 41.5 years. Most reside in Southern or Western states. Average time since pharmacist licensure was 17 years, and average time as a CDE was 5 years. Most had completed postgraduate training, including residencies and/or fellowships; 52.8% had faculty appointments; 46.7% stated they were billing for their services; and 45.9% were obtaining reimbursement. Most pharmacists (84.4%) stated that they intended to pursue CDE recertification. Providing details about pharmacist CDEs and their clinical activities may motivate other pharmacists to pursue this credential. Pharmacists are often the most accessible of all health care providers, and earning the CDE credential may be an important contribution to diabetes care and education.

Impact of a Diabetes Certificate Program on Pharmacists' Diabetes Care Activities

“…A study completed by Shane-McWhorter et al indicated that 46.1% of the CDE pharmacist respondents regularly performed foot examinations. 13 In this study, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate at which they performed foot examinations between those beginning the program and those who had completed the program. Apparently, pharmacists who are also CDEs are more likely to provide this care; however, it is not known how many of these respondents were community pharmacists.…”

“…Apparently, pharmacists who are also CDEs are more likely to provide this care; however, it is not known how many of these respondents were community pharmacists. 13 One explanation for lack of foot care in this study could be that these pharmacists, who were primarily community pharmacists, felt that it was out of their realm of responsibility and that a podiatrist or physician should provide this type of care. In addition, the pharmacists in this program may not have the physical facilities or the time to perform foot examinations.…”

“…Therefore, it is possible that these pharmacists were likely involved in a team of practitioners, including physicians. 13 Perhaps this allows more opportunities for the pharmacist to collaborate with other health care professionals.…”

“…The majority of pharmacists who hold the CDE designation work in ambulatory care clinic settings where they are more easily able to complete the requirements to obtain this credential. 13 Although the certificate program had a positive impact on pharmacists' provision of patient care, there is room for improvement. Pharmacists who had completed the certificate program documented services more frequently and spent more time on diabetes care activities, but not at the same level as pharmacists with the CDE designation, as seen in the Lyman et al and Shane-McWhorter et al studies.…”

“…In addition, about half (50.4%) of the pharmacists counseled their patients on nutrition. 13 Unlike earlier studies, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a specific diabetes certificate program on patient care services provided by pharmacists. Pharmacists in this certificate program were not just taught how to provide diabetes care services in their pharmacy practice sites, but also required to complete assignments based on their practice settings and diabetes patient populations.…”