Recommending A Meter
The recommendation or selection of a blood glucose meter should be individualized to each patient based on intended use and patient preference. While blood glucose meters are commonly provided at a low cost to patients it is important to remember that testing strips and other supplies incur significant costs to patients or their insurance plans. Before recommending routine blood glucose monitoring it is important to review the Canadian Diabetes Association's SMBG Tool for Healthcare Providers.
The blood glucose meters available on the market come with numerous differentiating features that may be confusing to some patients or healthcare providers. When identifying desired features it is important that both the patient and healthcare professional understand the reasons and intended use for each of them. Using the Comparison Charts in this reference guide you can determine which features differentiate meters from one another and which features come standard on most meters.
Before following these recommendations please read the disclaimer.
The blood glucose meters available on the market come with numerous differentiating features that may be confusing to some patients or healthcare providers. When identifying desired features it is important that both the patient and healthcare professional understand the reasons and intended use for each of them. Using the Comparison Charts in this reference guide you can determine which features differentiate meters from one another and which features come standard on most meters.
Before following these recommendations please read the disclaimer.
Meter Recommendation Strategy
Step 0 - Learn About The Meters - Visit the TestHappy! Meters Page
Step 1 - Confirm the Need For Testing - See The CDA SMBG Recommendation Tool for Healthcare Providers
Step 2 - Conduct an Assessment of Patient Specific Factors - Visit the TestHappy! Patient Factors to Consider Page
Step 3 - Compare The Meters That May Be Appropriate - Visit the TestHappy! Comparison Charts Page
Step 4 - Make a Recommendation or Decision on a Meter
Step 5 - Monitor & Follow Up With Your Patient - Use Your Clinical Judgement
- You cannot make a complete recommendation if you do not understand all of the choices. Just like studying benefits and adverse effects of medications it is necessary for pharmacy professionals to study the products they are selling.
- This is Step 0 because you should have completed it by the time you are in the position to make a recommendation to your patients!
Step 1 - Confirm the Need For Testing - See The CDA SMBG Recommendation Tool for Healthcare Providers
- Not all patients who are testing their blood glucose necessarily should be, according to the current Canadian Diabetes Association Recommendations. Consult the Recommendation Tool above for more details, or consult the Resources Section for information about SMBG in Type 2 Diabetes.
Step 2 - Conduct an Assessment of Patient Specific Factors - Visit the TestHappy! Patient Factors to Consider Page
- Individual patients may have needs for specific features or my prefer the simplicity of some meters. Be sure to understand all of the patient factors that may play into a recommendation and have an open conversation with the patient about their need for a meter.
- Using patient specific factors you will likely be able to rule out many of the meters available on the market for various reasons. Be sure to keep these options in the back of your mind in case a meter you have ruled out is actually desired by the patient. Certain factors may be of more importance to the patient when all information is presented so be sure to gain a thorough understanding of your patient and their needs.
Step 3 - Compare The Meters That May Be Appropriate - Visit the TestHappy! Comparison Charts Page
- Using your short list of meters determined by assessing patient specific factors present an unbiased representation of each meter to the patient as well as the features you feel would be more or less appropriate for them. Act as a source of information for the patient and actively engage them in the decision about their meter. Patients who understand why they are using a particular product are much more likely to use it regularly and value it as a tool.
Step 4 - Make a Recommendation or Decision on a Meter
- Depending on the scenario, you may be in the position of recommending a meter or may be involved in the patients decision to select one. Whichever the case, make sure you present specific reasons for your choice or recommendation in comparison to the other meters that were identified as potential options for that patient.
Step 5 - Monitor & Follow Up With Your Patient - Use Your Clinical Judgement
- Just as you would with a new medication, it is important to monitor the patient's use of the meter and their satisfaction with the device. Be sure to invite the patient back into the pharmacy to review their progress with the meter and incorporate this follow up into a medication review.
- The amount of time between recommendation and follow up varies based on the patient's use of the meter but it is important to contact the patient after they have used the meter several times to help them work through any issues or to confirm their success with the meter.
Good luck in the search for the most appropriate meter!