Impact of a Pharmacist-led COPD Clinic on Patient Outcomes in a Rural Healthcare Clinic

Abstract

Background While it is well documented that pharmacists improve disease state outcomes, there are currently no studies evaluating a pharmacist’s impact on quality of life (QOL), lung function, and adherence in COPD patients, specifically in a rural healthcare setting. We aimed to compare changes in patient QOL with and without participation in a pharmacist-led COPD clinic in a rural healthcare setting. Methods This was a single-center, prospective, open-label, case/control study performed at a rural healthcare center during December 2018 through June 2019. Enrolled patients were assigned to either the case or control arm on an alternating basis. Case participants received individualized patient care including PFT, QOL assessment utilizing the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), disease state education, and medication management for a total of 3 appointments during a 6-month period. Control subjects did not receive the individualized intervention during the 3 appointments and only completed the PFT, SGRQ, and medication adherence counseling. Results A total of 20 patients participated in the complete 6-month COPD clinic. At the end of the 6-month clinic, there was not a statistically significant difference between the groups in regard to SGRQ values (p=0.191), medication adherence (p=0.279), and lung function (p=0.321). Limitations included randomization methods and sample size. Conclusions Although there was not a statistically significant difference between the groups; significant mediation management interventions were made for participants in both the intervention and control groups. Pharmacists are well positioned in multiple practice settings to contribute to the improvement of quality of life for these patients.