Integrating continuous glucose monitoring into pharmacy education: a structured workshop evaluation
08 May 2026
Showcase Theatre
Background: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is increasingly recommended for insulin-requiring diabetes, yet clinician limitations in technical competence and data interpretation hinder its use and contribute to inequitable access. Preparing future pharmacists with the knowledge and confidence to support CGM is therefore essential.
Method: Final-year pharmacy students' self-reported knowledge, confidence, and preparedness in CGM were assessed using pre- and post-workshop surveys following a CGM workshop. Post-workshop feedback evaluated usefulness and areas for improvement. Ethical approval was obtained from University of Hertfordshire Health, Science, Engineering and Technology Ethics Committee. Likert-scale data was analysed descriptively, with thematic analysis of open-ended responses.
Results: 53% of students (n = 46/87) participated in the survey. 'Very' or 'extremely' high ratings increased across all outcomes, including knowledge of CGM benefits (32.6%, n = 14 to 73.9%, n = 34), confidence explaining CGM products (16.3%, n = 7 to 63.0%, n = 29), familiarity with data interpretation (18.6%, n = 8 to 71.7%, n = 33), identifying high-risk patients (23.2%, n = 10 to 76.1%, n = 35), conducting CGM-based consultations (23.3%, n = 10 to 69.6%, n = 32), and preparedness for practice (25.0%, n = 11 to 76.1%, n = 35). Seven themes emerged: value of practical application, increased knowledge and understanding, interactive learning, overall positive evaluation, expert guidance, practical challenges with CGM devices, and time and structural constraints.
Conclusion: An industry-academic led CGM workshop enhanced final-year pharmacy students' knowledge, confidence, and readiness to use CGM in practice, however further support and workshop refinement is required.

