Pharmacists may soon play a pivotal role in the management of Australia’s fifth-biggest killer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A pilot program run by the Australian Lung Foundation (ALF), titled
A collaborative screening, referral and management process to improve health outcomes in COPD, will see pharmacists and GPs in NSW’s Hunter Valley region working together on the largely unrecognised disease.
Using the PiKo-6, a portable electronic device that measures the amount of air someone can get out of their lungs, pharmacists will screen patients identified as being at a high risk of COPD.
At-risk patients include asthmatics over 35 with a history of smoking or people experiencing breathlessness with minimal exertion or an ongoing cough with phlegm or mucus.
If the test reveals signs of COPD, the pharmacist will refer the patient to a participating GP for assessment, including a full spirometry test, and diagnosis.
Pharmacists will then be involved in the ongoing management of patients diagnosed with COPD, including monitoring drug compliance and quality use of medicines, counselling on smoking cessation and referring to support networks if appropriate.
The 15-month program will begin next month and the ALF is looking for pharmacists in the Hunter Valley region to participate, as well as an academic pharmacist to fill a three-day-a-week position as a research associate.
For more information or to express interest in participating, email Heather Allan at
heather@lungnet.com.au.