APhA reports interim success of Diabetes Ten City Challenge

WASHINGTON According to an interim study by the American Pharmacists Association Foundation, patients enrolled in the APhA’s Diabetes Ten City Challenge appears to be changing their attitude towards their diabetes care.

The program is designed to eliminate co-payments for diabetes medications and supplies if patients work with a pharmacist to monitor and manage their condition.

Some of the improvements highlighted in the interim study include an increase in the percentage of patients enlisting in preventative health services. Participants receiving flu vaccinations increased from 43 to 61 percent, eye examinations increased from 60 to 77 percent and foot examinations increased from 38 to 68 percent. Patients with nutrition goals rose from 22 to 66 percent; those with exercise goals increased from 24 to 72 percent, and those with weight management goals increased from 23 to 64 percent.

Also, 87 percent of the patients said that their overall diabetes care was excellent, a huge jump from the pervious 39 percent.

The areas included in the program are Charleston, S.C., Chicago, Colorado Springs, Colo., Cumberland, Md., Honolulu, Milwaukee, Northwest Georgia, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and Tampa Bay, Fla.

The foundation looks to release a full report based on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in early 2009.