PGD1 The Effects of Community-Based Pharmaceutical Care Services on Asthma-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

Community pharmacy practice is evolving from a product-oriented focus to an environment where pharmaceutical care services are provided in order to meet an overall therapeutic goal (disease management). Specialized services may contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes for patients served and may improve patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of specialized pharmaceutical care services for adult asthmatic patients served in community pharmacy settings on their health-related quality of life. METHODS: Adult asthmatic patients received specialized pharmaceutical services for one year in 7 community pharmacies located throughout Texas. All intervention pharmacies were members of a pharmaceutical care network that provided software, enabling pharmacists to document interactions with patients. All study patients were insured by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas, patronized an intervention pharmacy, were confirmed asthmatics (by their physician), and were currently taking asthma medication(s). Juniper's Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, which includes activity, symptom, emotion, and exposure domains, was used to evaluate quality of life changes. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients completed quality of life questionnaires over the course of the intervention period and had pharmacist documentation. Quality of life scores were compared before and during intervention periods. When mean baseline overall quality of life scores were compared to mean ending overall quality of life scores for intervention patients, a statistically significant improvement was found (t =−2.872; df = 20; p = 0.009). Statistically significant improvements were also observed in the activity (t =−2.795; df = 20; p = 0.011) and symptom (t =−2.913; df = 20; p = 0.009) domains. CONCLUSIONS: While improved quality of life was associated with the pharmaceutical care intervention, further research involving more patients is needed to adequately determine the extent of benefits that specialized pharmaceutical care services could provide.