A COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF PHARMACIST EDUCATION ON ASTHMA CONTROL AND INHALATION TECHNIQUE

Viresh K. Chandur, Hasna Fathima K. P.* and A. R. Shabaraya

ABSTRACT

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease requiring proper inhaler technique and adherence to treatment. A community based interventional study evaluated the impact of pharmacist-led education on asthma control and inhaler technique.151 asthma patients were randomly allocated to either a control group or an interventional group. The intervention group received verbal counselling, inhaler technique demonstration, and a patient information leaflet. Result showed significant improvements in asthma control, as measured by the Asthma control test (ACT) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were observed in the intervention group. Inhaler technique also improved significantly, with 77.36% of patients in the intervention group demonstrating efficient technique. Pharmacist-led education enhanced treatment, lung function (peak expiratory flow) and reduced hospital visit. This study highlights the critical role of pharmacists in improving asthma management and control. Hospital visits due to asthma symptoms decreased significantly. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of pharmacist-led education in enhancing asthma management and control, highlighting the critical role of pharmacists in improving patient outcomes. The finding suggest that incorporating pharmacist-led interventions into asthma management programs can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.

Keywords: Asthma control test (ACT), inhalation technique, education, peak expiratory flow (PEF).