Effectiveness of Pharmacist Care for Patients With Reactive Airways Disease

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Abstract
Reactive airways diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are prevalent, morbid, and costly long-term conditions.1-8 Although exacerbations are potentially preventable by appropriate drug therapy,9,10 patients often have difficulty following prescribed regimens. Pharmacists may be able to enhance patients' compliance and outcomes by engaging in pharmaceutical care activities (eg, monitoring symptoms, providing medication counseling, helping resolve drug-related problems, facilitating communication with physicians).11,12 Pharmaceutical care is promising because: (1) pharmacists have the knowledge and skills to identify and resolve patients' medication-related problems; (2) patients often have several physicians but frequently patronize a single pharmacy; (3) pharmacists are often the last health professional whom patients see before taking their medication; and (4) pharmacists are trusted by patients.13

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