The innovative elements of the pharmaceutical education for implementation of good pharmacy practices in the prevention and management of diabetes

The rapid increase in the number of people with diabetes and its associated complications – largely due to the failure to achieve treatment goals–highlights the urgent need to implement Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) in Ukraine. This approach aims to enhance the prevention and management of diabetes by promoting a patient-centered care model. It is expected to improve patient adherence to treatment and strengthen preventive measures. To implement GPP standards effectively in the provision of pharmaceutical care for diabetes, specialists must acquire additional knowledge and practical skills. These competencies should be developed during postgraduate education. When designing a training program, it is important to consider the national context and the specific needs of pharmacists in Ukraine. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey to identify relevant topics for developing a training program to improve pharmacists’ capacity for implementing GPP in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus. A survey of 324 pharmaceutical professionals was conducted to determine training priorities. The conducted survey of pharmaceutical workers identified relevant topics/questions and skills that should be included in the training program on diabetes: risk factors for diabetes; interpretation of screening test results for diabetes; use of CPP, including insulin; principles of choosing glucometers appropriate to the patient's condition and age; vaccination of risk groups; educational campaigns, reimbursement system. Pharmacists expressed interest in improving the level of communication skills and modern trends in communicating with patients with diabetes. In response to these findings, a thematic training program titled “The Role of the Pharmacists in the Prevention and Management DiabetesStrategy” has been developed. The program aligns with current international recommendations, national healthcare capabilities, and the training priorities identified through the survey. It presents essential topics in a well-balanced manner that ensures sufficient depth of knowledge and competency without overloading learners with excessive detail.