A Comparative Study of an Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Plan and a Routine Care in Bronchial Asthma

The aim of the study is to compare the effect of asthma care by clinical pharmacist intervention versus routine care on asthma control.

Patients received additional education on basic facts about asthma, role of medications, the difference between long-term control medications and quick-relief medications, as well as patient skills in the first visit then reinforcement every two weeks.. The importance of proper inhaler technique, avoidance of asthma triggers and self-monitoring of asthma were also highlighted. Visual aids, physical demonstration as well as written information resources were supplied. Asthma care plans were tailored to patient needs and preferences. Patients were informed how to detect early signs of worsening asthma, when and how to seek medical care as appropriate.

Patients received usual care delivered by physician without pharmacist intervention. Patients were prescribed asthma medication with summarized basic information on asthma and medication use. Follow-up visits were not planned on consistent basis, but rather individually according to the disease status. No asthma action plans were provided.

Inclusion Criteria: patient with clinical diagnosis of bronchial asthma responsible for administering their own asthma medications. Exclusion Criteria: patients who were not responsible for administering their own asthma medications. patients with cognitive defects, other pulmonary disease e.g. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), experiencing illness with asthma-like symptoms e.g. Congestive Heart Failure, evidence of fixed airway obstruction patients unavailable for 2-month follow-up. patients who did not provide written informed consent.