Abstract:
Introduction. Prevalence of type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among children and adolescents in
Republic of Moldova presents 397 cases, signalling an annual increase of 5,8%. Poorly managed
diabetes leads to serious complications and early death.
Aim of the study. Evaluation of pharmacists competencies in providing pharmaceutical care to
children with type I diabetes and establishing the direction to improve level of competencies of
them.
Materials and methods. As a method of study, has been used the quantitative analysis through
the closed questionnaire, sample size: 100 pharmacists.
Results. As a result of the review of the literature has been identified the following competencies
necessary for the pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical care to children with T1DM: general
knowledge, blood glucose monitoring, drug administration, premedical and medical care, healthy eating, physical activity, prevention of late complications. Pharmacists have general knowledge
about the notion of T1DM (73%); 71% of those surveyed know that T1DM cannot be prevented
and 86% know that this disease is manifested in children, adolescents and young adults. Blood
glucose monitoring: 43.3% of respondents think, that the glycaemic targets in children is 3.8 and
8.3 mmol/l. Insulin injection sites: 55% of the pharmacists had answered to the abdomen, and as
modern medical devices used, 50% know about the glucose meter. The treatment for T1DM
involves: insulin injections and periodic self-monitoring of insulin (84.8%) and an average of
28% know all types of insulin. If a patient with hypoglycaemia is present in the pharmacy, 77%
responded that they would call the ambulance and offer sugar to the patient. Speaking about
healthy eating, 78% can provide nutrition counselling and on average 30% recommend fibers
and protein. In T1DM, physical effort is recommended after the peak of insulin action (50 %)and
they recommend walking and running (94%). On average 14% of pharmacists know all the longterm
complications of diabetes and 87% would like to be trained to provide counselling to these
patients.
Conclusions. Pharmacists could provide counselling to children with type T1DM about: healthy
eating, physical activity, adherence to treatment, monitoring, problem solving, reducing risks.
Fewer competencies are attested about: glycaemic targets in children, the types of insulin, the
duration of their action, insulin injection sites, long-term complications. As the level of care
increases, pharmacists’ knowledge increases through experience, continuing education,
individual study, and mentorship. There is a need of more strong collaboration with physicians,
diabetes associations and development of special training courses for pharmacists.
