Exploring Community Pharmacists’ Awareness, Attitudes, and Experiences with Digital Health Technologies: A Focus on Mobile Applications for Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management

TL;DR

This study explores how aware and prepared Serbian community pharmacists are to use digital health tools, like diabetes apps, and finds that most lack awareness and training.

Contribution

The study provides novel insights into pharmacists' digital health literacy and readiness in Serbia, focusing on diabetes self-management apps.

Findings

Only 15.8% of pharmacists were aware of mobile apps for diabetes self-management.

Higher digital literacy correlated with greater confidence and interest in digital learning.

Most pharmacists supported expanded roles in advising patients on digital tools.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health challenge, and digital health technologies offer new opportunities to support self-management. Mobile applications can benefit both patients and healthcare professionals; however, awareness and integration of these tools into community pharmacy practice remain limited. As accessible frontline providers, pharmacists are well positioned to promote digital health, yet their readiness and engagement require further investigation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among community pharmacists in Serbia using a structured questionnaire. Developed through a consensus-based process, the instrument assessed pharmacists’ awareness, attitudes, and experiences with digital health technologies, focusing on mobile applications for diabetes self-management. Only 15.8% of pharmacists were aware of such applications, and 2.4% reported receiving relevant training. Higher digital health technology literacy was associated with greater awareness, confidence, and preference for digital learning. Most participants supported expanding pharmacists’ roles in advising patients on digital tools and expressed interest in structured education and official guidance. These findings indicate limited awareness and training in mobile health applications among community pharmacists. Enhancing digital competencies through targeted education and structured guidance may facilitate greater integration of digital tools into routine pharmacy practice and strengthen pharmacists’ roles in chronic disease management.