DOTx. MED: Pharmacist-delivered interventions to improve care for patients with diabetes.
To describe the development and implementation of the Discussions on Taking Medications (DOTx.MED) Diabetes Pilot Program and to report the impact on adherence to diabetes therapy, improvement in communication of pharmacists, and satisfaction of patients, pharmacists, and health care providers. 10 community pharmacy residency sites across the United States enrolled 216 patients with diabetes to participate in the pilot project. Pharmacists delivered behavioral interventions using motivational interviewing techniques and increased personal communication with patients during routine visits to the pharmacy during a 6-month period. During the initial 6-month pilot program, modest improvements in medication adherence were documented. Patients in the intervention group showed a 6.55% increase in proportion of days covered (PDC) compared with the previous 180 days preintervention and a 2.8% increase in PDC compared with the control group. Based on survey results, overall reports of satisfaction from patients, pharmacists, and health care providers were favorable. Access to educational programs, tools, and resources provided through the DOTx.MED Diabetes Pilot Program improved pharmacist knowledge of diabetes care and increased the amount of time spent communicating with patients. The program demonstrated that small, focused interactions addressing issues of concern to patients can improve patient adherence to medication therapy.