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Asthmatics Breathe Easier With Pharmacists' Support
LONDON, September 9 /PRNewswire/ -- People with asthma breathe easier when a pharmacist reviews their prescription medicines, research launched at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester has shown. The research, carried out by Lloydspharmacy, included a programme of seeking feedback from patients after a pharmacist had reviewed their medicines use. 95% of patients involved gave the pharmacy asthma service the thumbs up. The study showed that, of those patients referred to an asthma nurse or GP following a pharmacist's review of their medicines use, more than 71% had a treatment or dosage change. Asthma affects approximately one in 12 adults and one in 10 children in the UK. More than 5.2 million people in the UK are currently being treated for asthma and about 1.1 million of these are children. It can affect almost anyone, at any age, anywhere.(1) Asthma is being managed ineffectively in 70% of patients.(2) Pharmacist Louise Baglole who led the research said: "Our findings show that people with asthma benefit enormously from the expert advice and knowledge of pharmacists in regard to managing their condition through a medicines use review. "Community pharmacists are easily accessible and have a significant role to play in managing serious long-term health conditions like asthma, and in helping patients achieve the best possible healthcare outcomes." Reference number: Practice 58 Notes to Editors The British Pharmaceutical Conference - entitled "The medicines maze: balancing risks and benefits" - takes place from 10th to 12th September, 2007, at Manchester Central (formerly Manchester International Convention Centre). The theme of BPC 2007 is reflected throughout the programme, with keynote speeches and workshops addressing crucial technical and professional issues that are facing pharmacy today. The conference will showcase the latest developments in pharmaceutical science and practice research and include discussion and debate led by expert speakers. References (1) BBC Health website. (2) Everyday asthma out of control? Asthma UK; 2005. http://www.asthma.org.uk/document.rm?id=93 (accessed 14th March, 2006).
