Assessment of a community pharmacy-based program for patients with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To implement and assess a community-based pharmaceutical care program for patients with asthma.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled trial.


METHODS
Community pharmacies (11 control, 11 intervention) in Malta.


METHODS
Community-dwelling patients with asthma.


METHODS
A comprehensive asthma education and monitoring program was implemented. Intervention patients received verbal counseling, an educational video, an information leaflet, and subsequent monitoring with reinforcement; control patients received routine dispensing services.


RESULTS
Parameters assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 months were health-related quality of life, peak expiratory flow (PEF), inhaler technique, compliance with therapy, hospitalization rates, days lost from work, asthma symptoms, and patient satisfaction. Health-related quality of life of the intervention patients improved at 12 months (p=0.044). In the same time period, PEF significantly decreased in control patients compared with intervention patients (p=0.009) whereas inhaler technique improved in the intervention group (p=0.021). There were significantly fewer self-reported hospitalizations in intervention patients.


CONCLUSIONS
A community-based pharmaceutical care program was appreciated by the participants and had a positive impact on the vitality of patients with asthma, inhaler technique, and PEE.
Cordina
M
M
Department of Pharmacy, University of Malta, Msida.
McElnay
J C
JC
Hughes
C M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010595:Pharmacists; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents