Experience of Patients with COPD of Pharmacists’ Provided Care: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with high global morbidity and mortality. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide services which may reduce the burden of this disease on the health system, patients, and their families. The study aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of patients living with COPD with pharmacists’ provided care in COPD diagnosis and management. The study was guided by qualitative description methodology and reported using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 participants who were recruited from community pharmacies, seniors’ centres, a general practice clinic, and a pulmonary rehabilitation centre. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified categories that revealed great variation in participants’ experience of pharmacy care based on the depth of patient–pharmacist engagement. Participants who regarded their pharmacists as an essential member of their healthcare team and those who did not, had contrasting experiences with education, communication, and ability to form connections with their pharmacists. For patients with COPD, it is important that the pharmacist is proactive in engaging patients through effective communication, education/provision of relevant information, identification of patient needs, and consistent provision of care with empathy.

Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Constraints in Patient Pathway and Mitigation Strategies

“…The feasibility of conducting screening and testing for respiratory diseases, including spirometry, in pharmacies was proposed as a potential solution to facilitate early detection and increase awareness of these diseases, which is consistent with the results of the scoping review conducted by Valentino et al [35], which reports that pharmacist-provided spirometry services can increase patient access to diagnostic tests and primary care providers' access to results. In addition, our experts also highlighted the crucial role of pharmacists in providing education on the proper use of respiratory equipment, which is also consistent with other studies [36][37][38][39]. Furthermore, engaging other professionals such as respiratory nurses or cardiopulmonary technicians in pharmacies or primary care clinics to provide education and address concerns could have a profoundly positive impact on the community [40].…”

Assessment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patient’s Satisfaction with The Provided Pharmaceutical Care Services

“…Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care is difficult, and patients must engage in a self-management approach that includes difficult behavioral and lifestyle adjustments such as smoking cessation, proper use of inhalation techniques, exercise therapy adherence, and compliance. COPD is associated with high global morbidity and mortality and pharmacists are in a unique position to provide services that may help to decrease the disease's impact on the healthcare system, patients, and their families [7].…”

“…Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with high global morbidity and mortality and pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide services that may reduce the burden of this disease on the health system, patients, and their families [7]. In 2012, more than 3 million people worldwide died of this disease and its complications, and it is expected to be the third leading cause of death by 2030 [8].…”

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: Treatment Guidelines and Recommendations for Referral and Multidisciplinary Continuity of Care

“…The community pharmacy is easily accessible and perceived to be affordable by the public, making it often the first point of contact in the healthcare system [44,45]. The role of the pharmacist has evolved beyond mere medication adjustments and now encompasses a diverse range of patient-centred health management tasks [45].…”