Actual practices of community pharmacists in the management of diabetes: a comparison of simulated patient-based study with perceived role of involvement.

Objectives: This study evaluated the level of community pharmacy professionals' (CPPs) actual practices and contrasted it with their self-reported perceived involvement in diabetes management.

Methods: A self-reported cross-sectional and simulated patient (SP)-based study were employed at community drug retail outlets (CDROs) in Northwest Ethiopia. SP-case scenarios were used to examine the actual practices of CPPs in diabetes management and were compared with self-reported perceived involvement. The data were managed and analysed using SPSS version 26.

Results: About 184 participants in the self-reported and 100 CPPs' actual practices using three SP visits were included. The overall actual practice (17.8%) was found to be significantly different compared with the perceived level of involvement (73.5%) (p-value <0.05). About 94.3% of CPPs dispensed requested medications to the SP without a prescription. Despite most participants being perceived to be involved, more than 76% of CPPs did not counsel the SP for lifestyle modifications, avoiding risky behaviours, adherence to treatment, routine blood glucose checkups, diabetic foot care techniques, or consultation with physicians for further management.

Conclusion: A significant discrepancy between actual practices and perceived CPPs' involvement in the management of diabetes was observed. The findings may suggest that exploring possible gaps may be crucial.