Introduction: An urban academic medical center initiated a project to enhance diabetes care by addressing limited in person endocrinology (endo) access. The objective was to assess the impact of a telementoring (TM) program, utilizing endo to support clinical pharmacists (CPs) managing diabetes in internal medicine (IM).
Methods: Jan-June 23, 3-6 CPs and 1 endo met virtually weekly for 1 hour to review cases that would have been otherwise referred for in person endo consult. Pre-and 3-month post A1c and BMI were collected. Endo recommendations and implementation barriers were documented in the EMR.
Results: Over 21 sessions, 41 cases were discussed. Mean baseline A1c was 9.2% and BMI was 30.3. Post-A1c or BMI was not available for 5 pts (lost to follow-up/deceased.) Mean post intervention A1c was 8.2% and BMI was 29.9. CPs universally found value in sessions and reported increased confidence in practicing diabetes care. 62 interventions were documented - most common related to med initiation or adjustment. The most common reasons for lack of implementation include pt deceased, missed follow-up, changes in insurance coverage, and frequent hospitalizations. Less than 10% of pts were subsequently referred to endo for management.
Conclusion: Building IM capacity through virtual TM support of CP driven diabetes care is feasible and results in improved 3-month glycemic outcomes and may help address limited endo access in a value based care model.
K. O'Brien: Advisory Panel; Bayer Inc. N. Sanfratello: None. C. Dunton: None. A. Giuliani: None. E. Brechtelsbauer: None. D.W. Steenkamp: Consultant; Abbott. Research Support; Novo Nordisk A/S, MannKind Corporation, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
This activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly (A-31212).
