Patient careA new study has highlighted the key role played by pharmacists in supporting the day-to-day management of asthma and diabetes and suggests pharmacist care may be saving up to €17 million in diabetic healthcare costs.
The vast majority of asthma sufferers (88 per cent) and diabetics (76 per cent) visit their pharmacist at least once a month, according to the survey, which was published last weekend at the a.g.m. of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU).
The study indicates that pharmacists are a "critical part of the front line of the health service", according to the IPU, which says this role needs to be fully appreciated by the Government.
The study of patients with these two illnesses was undertaken by health economist Dr Loretto Lacey and reveals that nearly one in eight asthma sufferers and one in seven diabetes sufferers surveyed described themselves as "very satisfied" with the advice given by pharmacists on their medication.
Over 80 per cent of asthma sufferers had received advice about inhalers, relievers and presenters from their pharmacists over the previous year, 64 per cent received advice when they expressed concerns about medications, 73 per cent received advice about the side effects of medications, 78 per cent of patients were advised on how to act in the event of symptoms getting worse, 90 per cent were informed about the most appropriate timing of medication and 79 per cent were told how to act in the event of side effects.
Similarly, the survey shows that diabetes sufferers were receiving wide-ranging advice from their pharmacist in relation to the illness. Over the previous 12 months, 74 per cent of those surveyed said they had received advice from their pharmacist in relation to blood glucose meters and 62 per cent had been advised about medication for cholesterol. Some 70 per cent had received advice about blood pressure medication, and 80 per cent had been advised on insulin or medication used to control sugar levels.
Pharmacists were also found to be a key source of advice on related issues for diabetes sufferers with over two-thirds of respondents receiving advice in relation to foot care, diet, eye exams and smoking.
Significantly, the survey indicated that of those asthma sufferers who experienced a side effect with their medication, 82 per cent had consulted their pharmacist, compared with 59 per cent who had consulted their GP on the issue. Diabetes sufferers said they were equally likely to consult their pharmacist as their GP to discuss the issue.
The findings highlight the "very significant" role being played by pharmacists in illness management, says Karl Hilton, the incoming IPU president.
"These surveys demonstrate in the plainest possible way that pharmacists are a critical part of the front line of health services in Ireland. Our input in the area of drug compliance and patient self-management in diabetic patients alone may be saving up to €17 million per annum."