Arrhythmias are of concern with overutilization of b 2 -agonist inhalers in patients with probable or known cardiac disease. Overutilization of b 2 -agonist inhalers is of concern in the New Mexico Medicaid population. The concern is based not only on the possibility of harm from the agents, but also on the fact that the patient's disease state may be worsening or the patient may not be using the inhaler correctly. Goals Inform prescribers and pharmacists of New Mexico Medicaid patients diagnosed with COPD who are overutilizing b 2 -agonist inhalers. Provide educational material to the identified prescribers and pharmacists regarding COPD ATS guidelines and patient information on proper inhaler technique.
Methods Identify patients with a diagnosis of COPD at any point in time in the claims database.
496 Chronic airway obstruction nec 2. Identify patients with the above diagnoses who also meet the definition for b 2 -agonist overutilization in the months of December 1998 through March 1999. Seventy-five percent of pharmacists also reported that they did counsel the patient regarding inhaler technique and planned to monitor the patients' progress. Based on the comments made both by prescribers and pharmacists, it can be concluded that patient adherence is a factor contributing to the overutilization of b 2 -agonist inhalers. Two prescribers commented that their patient shared their inhaler with friends and family members.