Adults with asthma and pharmacist-led medication adherence support in general practice

Conference:

SAPC ASM 2018 - London

Talk Code:

2C.4

Presenter:

Marissa Ayano Mes

Twitter:

@marissames1

Co-authors:

Caroline Brigitte Katzer, Amy Hai Yan Chan, Vari Wileman, Step Taylor, Rob Horne

Author institutions:

University College London, Queen Mary University London, Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR)

Problem

Medication non-adherence limits the efficacy of asthma treatment. A new healthcare model (clinical pharmacist consultations in general practice) is being implemented to support medication use in people with asthma. However, detailed qualitative work with adults with asthma surrounding this new healthcare model is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of adults with asthma on this healthcare model to identify its barriers and enablers.

Approach

Participants (n = 12) were adults with asthma and a preventer inhaler (inhaled corticosteroid), living in the United Kingdom (UK). They were recruited through Asthma UK, hospitals, and social media. Upon recruitment, they were e-mailed a description of the pharmacist-led healthcare model. Through semi-structured telephone interviews, participants discussed their general experiences with pharmacists, and gave feedback on the pharmacist-led healthcare model. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Barriers of the healthcare model included perceptions of the pharmacist’s role and concerns about commercialism. Participants often did not differentiate between clinical and community pharmacists. They viewed pharmacists as dispensers and were sceptical of the “commercial interests” of large pharmacy chains. However, those with multiple medications (polypharmacy) and/or previous positive experiences with pharmacists were more supportive. They believed pharmacist consultations would “free-up” general practitioners, but were hesitant about expanding them to include other conditions in case of decreased access for people with asthma.

Consequences

Perceptions of pharmacists, largely influenced by community pharmacy, transfer onto pharmacists in general practice. Changing the healthcare setting (community pharmacy to general practice) did not address the concerns participants had about pharmacist-led care. To ensure the effective implementation of this healthcare model, these perceptions need to be addressed.

Submitted by:

Marissa Ayano Mes

Funding acknowledgement:

This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care North Thames at Bart’s Health NHS Trust (NIHR CLAHRC North Thames). The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the Department of Health and Social Care.