Clinical pharmacist approach towards effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation of the patient with COPD: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background: COPD is characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible. Pulmonary rehabilitation is widely accepted as a best result outcome treatment for COPD patients. Clinical pharmacist play a very important role in patient prescription analysis, promoting the Quality of life, patient education, in developing the drug regimen, sensitivity and allergic condition of the patient to the drugs, finding out any ADRs. Objectives: To compare and assess the impact of pharmacist approach on Health related quality of Life of COPD patients undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation at two different time point. Results: Total 112 patients were screened as per study criteria, 70 were recruited and randomized into control and intervention groups of 35 each, respectively. Compared to baseline QOL score, it was improved at the follow-up in intervention group. Out of 35 subjects 33 subjects has shown good and very good QOL (94.28%). All the domains of QOL were improved compared to control group at the follow-up. Highest improved domain was physical health domain among all (difference 25.83) and lowest was socio-economic domain (difference 12.14) Mean total score of quality of life at follow-up has the significant difference 18.1 (p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study elaborated that quality of life of patients with COPD undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation was improved after the clinical pharmacists approach when compared to only standard treatment (control group).