Community Pharmacist Telephonic Medication Reviews with Uncontrolled Asthma Patients: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Asthma management requires ongoing monitoring and patient education.
• Community pharmacy services can extend healthcare access and improve medication adherence.
• Telehealth interventions offer a scalable approach to medication review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the process and outcomes of telephonic medication reviews for patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe persistent asthma.
• To identify drug-related problems (DRPs) and assess the impact of pharmacist interventions.
• To analyze changes in patient knowledge and symptom control following pharmacist consultations.

Main Methods:

• A community pharmacy chain in Missouri conducted telephonic medication reviews for Medicaid patients identified with uncontrolled asthma.
• Pharmacists used a knowledge questionnaire, symptom control assessment, and medication review during initial and follow-up encounters.
• Drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified, recommendations were faxed to primary care providers (PCPs), and interventions were tracked.

Main Results:

• Fourteen participants completed initial reviews, with twelve completing follow-up.
• The majority of participants reported symptoms indicative of partially controlled to uncontrolled asthma.
• Pharmacists identified 43 DRPs and made 41 recommendations, with a mean intervention time of 65 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Telephonic medication reviews by community pharmacists are a feasible method for identifying DRPs in patients with uncontrolled asthma.
• Pharmacist interventions can address medication-related issues, potentially improving asthma control.
• Further research is warranted to assess the long-term clinical and economic impact of these interventions.