Development, implementation, and evaluation of a community pharmacy-based asthma care model.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Public Health
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Community pharmacists are well-positioned to address asthma management challenges.
• Previous pharmacist-led asthma care programs have demonstrated benefits, but not in Australia.
• This study addresses the gap in evaluating such programs in the Australian context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a specialized asthma service delivered by community pharmacists.
• To measure the impact on clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes for asthma patients.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this model in Australia.

Main Methods:

• A parallel controlled study involving 52 intervention and 50 control patients.
• Pharmacists received specific training to deliver a 6-month asthma care model with 3 follow-up visits.
• Outcomes were compared between intervention and control groups, and within the intervention group.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in asthma severity (p < 0.001) and albuterol use (p < 0.015) in the intervention group.
• Improved peak flow indices (p < 0.001) and enhanced asthma control and knowledge scores.
• Demonstrated annual savings of $132.84 per patient in medication costs and substantial overall group savings.

Conclusions:

• A specialized asthma care model delivered by community pharmacists can effectively improve asthma management.
• This model offers a valuable opportunity for Australian pharmacists to enhance patient care.
• The findings support the integration of such services into community pharmacy practice in Australia.