The impact of medication-focused workshops in a diabetes educational program in jail: a pilot study

Background Correctional institutions have unique circumstances offering care and the opportunity to adopt healthy behaviours for populations suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes. In view of their expertise on medication, pharmacists can contribute to multidisciplinary educational health programmes in prisons. Objective To assess the effectiveness of a pharmacist led diabetes medication-related workshops. Method Pharmacists led workshops about patients’ empowerment in their treatment within the educational program. On a prospective observational study basis, the impact was assessed in terms of relevance, learning outcomes and achievement transfer using the Kirkpatrick training assessment method. Hb1Ac was measured as glycemic control outcome. Results Fifteen patients involved in the workshops showed a significant decrease in HbA1c compared to the control group (−1.18 ± 0.52 vs. +0.26 ± 0.28 %; p < 0.001). Relevance: All participants were satisfied and ready to join other sessions. Learning outcomes: (LO) Postworkshop scores were significantly improved (LO1: 4.2 ± 0.9 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4; LO2: 4.5 ± 0.9 vs. 2.6 ± 1.3; p < 0.05). Decrease in HbA1c was correlated to increase in LO2’s scores. (Y = 0.946 − 1.134X; R = −0.692; p < 0.05). Achievement transfer: Key points from all LOs were reported. In case studies, 70 % of participants adopted healthy strategies (LO3). Conclusion These results highlight the positive impact of the workshops and the additive value of pharmacists’ involvement within the educational program in jail.