Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmaceutics
Open Access

Abstract

Asthma is one of the major health problems worldwide, and inhalation therapies are central in its management. Good inhalation technique is essential for optimum pharmacotherapy and minimum health care costs. Community pharmacists have become more involved in the care of asthma patients. However, data regarding the intervention of Libyan pharmacists in the management of asthma are scarce. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate community pharmacists� practical knowledge and skills of demonstrating proper inhalation technique of asthma inhaler devices available in Tripoli city, and to investigate counseling skills of pharmacists on asthma devices and asthma medications in general. Other aims for the current study were to explore the perspectives and management adherence by asthmatic patients. Two hundred community pharmacists were interviewed in 60 private pharmacies and 1 hospital pharmacy located in Tripoli areas. Asthma patients (n=85) also participated in this study. The study was carried out for 16 weeks and four asthma devices were tested (MDI, MDI with a spacer, Turbuhaler, and Diskus). Mystery patients and face-toface interview studies were conducted. The basic steps of using MDI were illustrated to patients by 50% of pharmacists. Only (39%) of them advised their patients about how to use MDI with a spacer and poorly demonstrated for most steps. Whereas correct steps of using Turbuhalers were demonstrated by 66% of the pharmacists, more than half of the pharmacists were capable to demonstrate steps of Diskus at a moderate level. The study recommends a need for training programs tailored toward fostering community pharmacists� role as primary providers of asthma education.

Biography

Email: mufida_ahmed@yahoo.co.uk, mufidayamane@gmail.com