M10 Demonstrating the potential role of community pharmacists in improving care of copd patients. (15th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Attar-Zadeh, D; Guirguis, A; Heading, CE; Shah, S; Shah, U; Bancroft, S
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 72(2017)Supplement 3
• Page Start: A242
• Page End: A242
• Publication Date: 2017-11-15
• Subjects: Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2017-210983.432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction and Objectives: Although there is some realisation of the potential for community pharmacists to help patients manage their conditions, finding ways to demonstrate this potential to health professionals in different roles and sectors is not easy. We conducted a semi-quantitative analysis of support offered to COPD patients within normal limits of practice in community pharmacies, with the intention of sharing our findings as widely as possible. These findings subsequently formed the basis of an infographic that can be distributed in a variety of scenarios. Methods: The study, in NW London, involved 18 pharmacies. Over a 4 week period in February-March 2015, pharmacists undertook consultations in the pharmacy with consenting patients who were receiving medicines prescribed for COPD. Patients were asked questions from a semi-structured questionnaire. Information was collected and action taken to provide high value interventions and referral, where appropriate. The collected data were analysed and key findings identified for sharing in an infographic. Results: At the consultation, of 135 patients, 56% were provided with inhaler training, 65% were offered Medicines Use Reviews, 17% received guidance regarding rescue packs, 28% were referred to GPs and 82% of smokers (n=39) were referred to stop smoking services. 84% of patients had received prior flu vaccination. Areas of clinical concern identified included poor inhaler technique, poor familiarity with pulmonary rehabilitation services, higher than expected ICS use and medication or other issues requiring referral to GPs (28%). The ratio of men to women (1:0.7) was consistent with published data, but the ethnicity of patients did not match the pattern expected in the locality on the basis of Public Health and census information. Conclusions: The analysis yielded evidence of how community pharmacists can both assist in the management of individual patients with COPD, and provide a snapshot of support in a locality. Summarising this evidence as an infographic that can be distributed digitally, and at professional and educational meetings, may hasten recognition of the potential usefulness of this type of support and the value of community pharmacies as a resource. The approach will be applied to other conditions, subject to evaluation of effectiveness.