Barriers to Community Pharmacists' Provision of Diabetes Care Services in Iowa

Background:Pharmacists are in a unique position to provide valuable patient care services to patients with diabetes. Even though many pharmacists have developed their diabetes care knowledge base and obtained credentials, they do not provide diabetes care on a regular basis, suggesting the existence of barriers to care other than knowledge and skills.Objective:To determine the barriers limiting the provision of diabetes care services in community pharmacy settings.Methods:Community pharmacists (N = 1,337) in Iowa were surveyed regarding (1) the types of diabetes care services provided, (2) reimbursement for services provided, (3) educational needs, (4) perceived barriers to providing diabetes services, and (5) demographics. A 46 item questionnaire was developed and mailed to participants with an addressed, stamped envelope. Nonrespondents were contacted by email or phone and asked to complete the questionnaire. Respondents' perceived barriers to diabetes care were compared based on their demographic chara...