How does community pharmacy reduce the GPS workload by helping patients living with diabetes?

Abstract Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects more than 220 million people worldwide.1 The prevalence of type 2 diabetes on the rise, leading to higher levels morbidity, workload, and cost for National Health Service (NHS).2 In addition, long-term complications can also contribute morbidity workload General Practice. Community pharmacists have clinical knowledge which being utilised provide range services patients living with long term conditions.3 These include New Medicines (NMS) Pharmacist Consultation (CPCS) both support those by helping understand their condition use medication correctly, reducing need Practitioner (GP) appointment. role pharmacist in community pharmacy management currently has limited research. Aim aim study was explore diabetic thereby decrease GP. Methods This targeted pharmacies Croydon (n=77) Kingston Upon Thames (n=34) greater London, aiming one response per pharmacy. A survey consisting 29 questions crated mixture tick box free text questions. were visited boroughs, surveys distributed collected. After data collection, quantitative analysis completed through SPSS qualitative using thematic analysis. Ethical approval granted University. Results total, 65 responses received (59% rate). found be had greatest number referrals GP (n=30/65; 46%). Referrals mainly recurrent infections over counter sales linked eyes feet. provided an average 3 advanced services, including NMS (n=63/65; 97%), CPCS (n=61/65; 94%), flu vaccinations (n=59/65; 91%) hypertension screening (n=24/65; 37%). Some key themes when participants asked about most common issues identified consultation patient, adherence medication, lack lifestyle changes, opportunities pharmacy-based interventions, limiting referral Pharmacists felt confident having intervention conversations knowledgeable diabetes. Discussion/Conclusion are essential part patient’s journey, supporting person centred care. outlines establishes clear how carry out different patients, able identify any setting. beneficial unlocking full potential pharmacist. Although small geography, this highlights manage condition, thus GPs therefore workload. Future studies carried larger area extrapolate findings. References 1. Ali, M., Schifano, F, Robinson, P, Phillips, G et al. Impact monitoring education programme management: randomized controlled study. Diabet Med, 2012;29(9):326-333. 2. Hindi, A, Schafheutle, E, Jacobs, S. integration within primary care pathway conditions: focus group patients’, pharmacists’ GPs’ experiences expectations. BMC Fam Pract, 2019;20(1):1-15. 3. Gummerson, I. new contract: overview relation Pract Diabetes, 2005;22(7):250-252.