The effectiveness of clinical pharmacist's intervention in improving asthma care in children and adolescents: Randomized controlled study in Jordan

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of clinical pharmacist's intervention on achieving better asthma control, quality of life and other clinical parameters.

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study in north Jordan was conducted. Pediatric patients with asthma (aged 7-18 years old) were included and randomly allocated into two groups, intervention and control. Both groups were interviewed at the first visit and followed up twice by phone (at 3 and 6 months). Education was provided to patients and their caregivers in the intervention group only.

Results: Of 206 eligible patients recruited and randomized to our study, 178 patients completed the study (48.3% intervention versus 51.7% control). There were no significant differences in all baseline data between both groups. We identified significant differences in the improvement of asthma control (p<0.001) and consequently pediatric and caregiver quality of life (p<0.001) between both groups at the end of study. Significant differences were also detected in other clinical parameters (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Implementation of clinical pharmacy service can positively influence asthma control, pediatric and caregiver's quality of life, and other clinical parameters.

Practice implications: To maintain a good asthma status, education of pediatric patients and their caregivers should be part of routine assessment during clinic visit.

Keywords: Asthma; Asthma control; Clinical pharmacist intervention; Patient education; Pediatric patients; Quality of life.