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COPD sufferers who obtain intensive steering from a hospital pharmacist throughout their keep use their inhalation medicine extra appropriately and with larger confidence. This was proven in a research performed by Annelies I.M. Walravens and Emma Walravens (College of Medication and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel), in collaboration with colleagues from—amongst others—the Queen Elisabeth Institute in Oostduinkerke. The research additionally demonstrated that the utilized protocol is possible in scientific observe and extensively supported by well being care professionals.
The work is printed in Persistent Obstructive Pulmonary Illnesses: Journal of the COPD Basis.
“Most studies start from a hypothesis, but our idea came directly from practice,” says Annelies Walravens. “We saw that COPD patients often struggle with using their inhalers correctly. Our study showed that intensive, step-by-step guidance by a pharmacist can truly make a difference.”
The analysis builds on earlier work by Prof. Eline Tommelein, who studied the affect of pharmaceutical counseling in group pharmacies.
“In our study, we adapted that model to a hospital setting, specifically the Queen Elisabeth Institute, which specializes in pulmonary rehabilitation,” explains researcher Emma Walravens. “We followed each patient six times in total, spread over their hospital stay and the following weeks.”
The research not solely confirmed enchancment in using inhalers but in addition revealed that sufferers felt extra empowered.
“For many patients, this was the first time they received such a thorough explanation about their medication,” says Stephanie Wuyts (Analysis Heart for Digital Medication, VUB). “They greatly appreciated the personal attention, which clearly boosted their adherence to treatment.”
Well being care suppliers additionally supported the initiative.
“In a focus group at the end of the process, doctors, nurses, IT staff, and other professionals acknowledged the added value of the protocol,” says Sander Boudewyn (Queen Elisabeth Institute). “They viewed it as a realistic yet valuable addition to care.”
The feasibility of any such intervention is additional strengthened by the help of auxiliary providers. Kayleigh Spriet (Queen Elisabeth Institute) provides, “With good task distribution and IT support, the pharmacist can focus on where they truly make a difference: education and follow-up.”
Based on Dr. Kristel De Paepe, pulmonologist on the Queen Elisabeth Institute, the power of the venture lies in collaboration: “This study clearly shows that multidisciplinary work improves patient care. And that pharmacists can play a central role in that.”
Prof. Tommelein (VUB) concludes, “This research confirms that what began as a pilot project now forms a solid foundation for a structural approach within hospitals. The results provide tools to structurally improve medication adherence—and therefore the patient’s quality of life.”
Extra info:
Annelies I.M. Walravens et al, Inhalation Innovation: Optimizing COPD Care By Scientific Pharmacist Integration in a Rehabilitation Hospital’s Multidisciplinary Staff—A High quality Enchancment Research, Persistent Obstructive Pulmonary Illnesses: Journal of the COPD Basis (2025). DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.2024.0569
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Intensive steering of COPD sufferers by hospital pharmacists exhibits clear added worth, finds research (2025, June 17)
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