Calls from patients to the National Asthma Campaign information line show that many patients find their asthma devices difficult to use. They often feel awkward about going back to their doctor or practice nurse, especially if that involves waiting for an appointment. In these situations, an interested and well informed pharmacist can really help by checking that someone is using their inhaler correctly, or in suggesting they go back to their GP if there is a major problem. Pharmacists are also a major source of help in issuing emergency supplies for patients who run out of their treatment and need a replacement inhaler immediately. This could potentially be a life-saving service.
Pharmacists also have a vital part to play in checking the prescriptions of people with asthma.
Pharmacists who know their regular customers or who keep records of prescriptions collected are often able to spot when someone has inadvertently requested a prescription which may be inappropriate. Patient education is a central part of good asthma management. This is an area in which pharmacists can really help by explaining some of the basics which people soon forget after leaving the GP's surgery. It may be helpful for pharmacies to stock some patient leaflets on asthma.