Challenges in Pharmacotherapeutics Education for Diabetes in Real-World Clinical Settings: Views From Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Residents

Purpose Pharmacotherapy for diabetes in real-world clinical settings is very complex and is posing a challenge for residents in training. The purpose of this study was to explore the views of residents in Canada regarding educational priorities for pharmacotherapy in diabetes management. Methods A questionnaire was developed to explore different domains of pharmacotherapy in diabetes management, including different clinic>al settings, combination pharmacotherapy with different classes of medications and patients' characteristics, including comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. The questionnaire and the letter of invitation was sent to residents through their program directors. The results were gathered through an online survey system. Due to the study design, response rate could not be determined. For data analysis, SPSS Software was used for statistical analysis. Chi-square testing was utilized for comparisons of proportions. Results Thirty-four residency programs in Canada were contacted and 165 residents completed the study. A significant number of the residents (59%) viewed combination pharmacotherapy for diabetes management as the most important educational priority (p < 0.001). Regarding insulin therapy, combination of insulin with another class of agents was recognized as the most important educational priority by 51% of residents (p < 0.001). Among all classes of medication for blood glucose management the education on the use of newer class of medication such as GLP1 agonists, DPP4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors was recognized as a priority by 77% of residents (p < 0.001). Conclusion This study provides new data and insights into residents' views on diabetes pharmacotherapy. Educational curriculums may incorporate these views from residents on the educational priorities that were identified in this study.