Outcomes Of Discharge Counseling By A Pharmacist For Patients With Asthma And Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affected the health system worldwide. The inhaled medications always need special administration techniques which might create drug related problems and poor control of diseases. This study aimed to determine outcomes of discharge counseling by a pharmacist for patients with asthma and COPD. The one group pretest-posttest study was conducted at a district 30-bed hospital in Thailand within a seven months study period. Admitted patients with asthma and/or COPD who were above 18 years of age and received at least one inhaled medication were included. Patients who had communication problems, lost follow-up or had been referred to other hospitals were excluded. A pharmacist identified drug related problems, gave interventions and discharge counseling for patients. There were 40 patients in the study (13 with asthma, 19 with COPD and 8 with asthma and COPD), most were male and elderly. Knowledge scores increased significantly in all groups except for patients with asthma. An adherence score and number of patients who administered medications correctly in most techniques also increased significantly. Accordingly, clinical outcomes were improved significantly despite the short follow-up period. Thirteen drug related problems were identified and decreased significantly after receiving interventions. In conclusion, pharmacist’s interventions by given discharge counseling improved quality of care in patients with asthma and COPD.