Study to assess the Health Outcomes and Medication Adherence among COPD Patients

Karthika Lal B

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease caused by airflow limitation. Medication adherence is an important concern. Poor adherence leads to high rate of exacerbation and decreased health outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of pharmaceutical care intervention with a strong focus on self-management, medication adherence and health outcome. Objective To improve the health outcomes, medication adherence and disease-related knowledge in COPD patients through structured education by clinical pharmacist. Methodology A prospective, observational study was conducted in Department of Pulmonology for 6 months. Health outcome and medication adherence was assessed using St. George Respiratory Questionnaire and disease-related knowledge was assessed using Bristol Knowledge Questionnaire. A structured education was delivered by clinical pharmacist for COPD patients. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Effectiveness of the study was assessed in terms of improvement in health outcomes, medication adherence and disease knowledge. Data collected was coded and entered into SPSS software version 22 for statistically analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant [1]. Results About 73 patients were included in the study. The St. George Respiratory Questionnaire was categorized into symptoms, activity and impact in which 38 (52%) people had high symptoms, 48 (66%) people had very high activity and 30 (41%) of the people had high impact during the baseline assessment. After education by the clinical pharmacist during the two follow-ups, the patients’ health outcome improved significantly and 35 (48%) people had moderate symptom, 24 (33%) people had low activity and 41 (56%) people had low impact during the second follow up. The patients’ knowledge also subsequently increased from poor knowledge 64 patients (88%) to good knowledge 65 patients (89%) after structured education by clinical pharmacists [2]. Conclusion The enhanced pharmaceutical outcome as a result of pharmaceutical care programme in the present study demonstrates the value of enhanced clinical pharmacy service in achieving the desired health outcomes and medication adherence for patients with COPD.