APhA introduces self-management tool for diabetes patients

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation has introduced a self-management tool designed to improve healthcare outcomes for diabetes patients and to reduce overall costs.

According to APhA, its Patient Self-Management Solutions (PSM) will reduce the annual overall cost of care for diabetes patients by approximately $1,000.

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The model includes a national network of pharmacist providers, methodology refined from the foundation’s research, and APhA self-management software designed for diabetes patients.

“This solution enables pharmacists and other healthcare providers to gain a comprehensive understanding of their patients’ ability to manage their diabetes through the real world application of knowledge, skills, and performance,” said Benjamin M. Bluml, APhA Foundation’s senior vice president of research and innovation. “Providers can then customize and effectively direct treatment in patient populations, resulting in better, more cost-effective outcomes for all patients and a proven cost savings of over $1,000 per patient per year.”

PSM Solutions provides targeted feedback to healthcare providers about disease-specific areas and links to patient education resources.  Bluml said equipping patients and healthcare providers with such information usually results in increased patient satisfaction and outcomes.

APhA has partnered with several healthcare providers to support PSM Solutions, including Kroger, PrescribeWellness, SinfoniaRx, and Scientific Technologies Corporation.

“Diabetes costs American employers more than 15 million workdays every year and accounts for more than $176 billion in healthcare spending,” Mindy Smith, executive director of the APhA Foundation, said. “Our PSM Solutions are backed by years in the field, peer reviewed, and proven to improve outcomes and reduce the total cost of care.”