A Multi-Mode Education Program to Enhance Asthma Care by Pharmacists

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Clinical Skills Development
• Asthma Management

Background:

• Optimal asthma care requires community pharmacists to possess advanced knowledge and practical skills.
• Existing education programs may not adequately prepare pharmacists for complex asthma management.
• There is a need for innovative educational approaches to enhance pharmacist competency in asthma care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, multi-mode education program for community pharmacists.
• To enhance pharmacists' clinical knowledge and practical skills in asthma management.
• To assess the program's content, efficacy, and applicability.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative development of online, evidence-based education modules with asthma and pharmacy organizations.
• Delivery of modules online, with skills review via in-person sessions or video upload/conference.
• Mixed methods approach to evaluate pharmacist feedback on the program's content and effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Ninety-seven pharmacists completed the program, demonstrating improved knowledge and skills.
• A significant proportion of pharmacists initially struggled with protocol-based modules and device technique competency.
• Pharmacists highly rated the program, reporting increased preparedness to manage asthma patients.

Conclusions:

• A novel multi-mode asthma education program effectively enhances community pharmacists' knowledge and practical skills.
• The program was well-received and supported by participating pharmacists.
• This educational model holds potential for broader application in international collaborative trials.