Evaluation of Student Pharmacist and Pharmacist Impact on Disease State Management and Patient Satisfaction in Adult Patients with Asthma

Abstract Objective: To measure the success of student pharmacist intervention, with pharmacist oversight, on improvement in asthma disease state control and patient satisfaction in an adult population with asthma Design: Prospective study Setting: Regional chain community pharmacy, independent chain pharmacy, and a university campus located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Patients: Data was collected from all asthmatic patients aged 18-65 presenting with one or more inhaled medications within the study dates at five study locations Interventions: Asthma severity and control were assessed for each patient enrolled in the study through the use of spirometry screenings, inhaler technique checklists, the Asthma Control Test (ACT), and patient satisfaction questionnaires Main Outcome Measured: Patient confidence level with disease management and improvements in inhaler technique following student pharmacist intervention Results: Data was analyzed for six participants using repeat-measures ANOVA. A trending improvement in all areas was noted, in particular, improved patient confidence after the intervention. Conclusion: Results of this study show improved patient confidence in asthma control after student pharmacist intervention. This type of intervention could be easily performed by a student intern or pharmacist in a community setting.