The Impact of Pharmacist Interventions via tele-consultations on COPD.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Impact of Pharmacist Interventions via tele-consultations on COPD Control and Quality of Life amongst COPD sufferers
IRAS ID
209242
Contact name
Julie Sowter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bradford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, days
Research summary
This research study aims to find out the role that tele-consultations (Skype) can have in the management of patients with the respiratory condition, COPD. We hope to use this information to understand a different way that patients can get healthcare advice.
Since pharmacists are specialists in medication, we are also trying to learn whether pharmacists are able to make a difference to lung control by reviewing patients’ medication and understanding how they are being used.
Patients will be split into two groups; one group will be seen in the pharmacy consultation room and the other group will take place using Skype. To make this as fair as possible, each patient will be put into these two groups by chance (randomly). The results will be compared to see if one way is better than the other.
All patients will need to be seen at the pharmacy consultation room to carry out the following 3 tests:
1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
2. Lung function Tests
3. Flow rate (Knowing how fast a patient can breathe in helps will help to find out which inhalers are most suitable for them).Next, patients will be split into the two groups. Each consultation will take approximately 30 minutes. They will involve discussing symptoms, reviewing medication and completing some simple questionnaires. Depending on these outcomes we may suggest that their GP alters their medication. The GP will then decide.
All patients will then be asked to visit the pharmacy 6 months after their first visit, where the same tests and questions will be repeated. After which, participation in this study will end. If patients have any questions, they are welcome to contact the pharmacist during this 6 month study period. If the patient is in the Skype group they will have the option of using the Skype facility to contact us.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0396
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion