The Community Pharmacist—A Vital Link in Caring for the Asthma Patient

Abstract

Pharmacists in a variety of settings are in a pivotal position to contribute to effective management of asthma patients. As part of the health care team, pharmacists can identify patients with poorly controlled asthma and educate patients on asthma medications, appropriate administration technique, and how to monitor therapy. By assisting with the management of the asthma patient, pharmacists can help optimize the care asthma patients receive, while decreasing overall health care expenditures. ASTHMA IS A chronic lung disease characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airflow obstruction.' Despite the advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and the availability of more efffective therapies, the prevalence rate and mortality rate of asthma have risen signficantly during the last decade.2,3In addition, the National Asthma Education Program (NAEP) recently concluded in their expert panel report, Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management ofAsthma, that asthma remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in the United States.4 This may result from patients misunderstanding their disease state and treatment regimens or from improper administration of asthma medications.Many health care providers, including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists have a significant role in providing education to the asthmatic patient. However, the final link of the &dquo;chain of care&dquo; before patients begin to selfadminister (asthma) medications and monitor therapy at home is often the pharmacist. Pharmacists in a variety of settings fill more than seven million prescriptions for asthma medica-

Healthy People 2010: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Call to Action for America's Pharmacists

“…333 Once patients obtain the maximum benefit from their respiratory drugs, they are less likely to be admitted to the hospital and thus have fewer absences from school or work. Patients with asthma will be better able to participate in physical activities and have an overall improved quality of life.…”

The Effectiveness of Pharmacist Interventions on Asthma Management

“…However, the final link of the "chain of care" before patients begin to self administer (asthma) medications and monitor therapy at home is often the pharmacist." 18 Pharmacists generally see patients more often than physicians and should play an active role in their education on asthma management, including concordance with their medication regimen. For instance, the community pharmacist could provide support when the patient collects his/her inhaler device from the pharmacy.…”

“…“Many health care providers, including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists have a significant role in providing education to the asthmatic patient. However, the final link of the “chain of care” before patients begin to self administer (asthma) medications and monitor therapy at home is often the pharmacist.” 18 …”