The Electronic Asthma Management System in Pharmacies
This study explores how a new electronic system, called eAMS-Pharm, used in pharmacies, can help people with asthma. Many people in the UK don't have their asthma fully under control, even though good treatments exist. This system helps pharmacists give better advice on asthma control, make sure medications are adjusted correctly, provide personalised action plans for flare-ups, and identify when someone with severe asthma needs to see a specialist. We're looking at specific pharmacies to see if using this system improves the way they care for asthma patients. The goal is to see if pharmacists, empowered by this tool, can help bridge the gaps in asthma care and ensure more people achieve better asthma control.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many adults in the UK live with asthma, and while there are good treatments available, a lot of people still struggle to keep their asthma under control. This can lead to flare-ups and can also put a strain on our healthcare system. Four main reasons for this include not properly checking how well someone's asthma is controlled, not changing medication when it's not working well enough, not providing a written plan for what to do during an asthma attack, and not referring people with very severe asthma to a specialist when needed.
Researchers have developed an electronic system called eAMS-Pharm. This system helps pharmacists collect important information from patients, such as how well their asthma is controlled, their risk of flare-ups, and their current medications. The system then uses this information to offer advice to the pharmacist, which is based on national guidelines. This advice can help them assess asthma control, suggest medication changes, create a personalised asthma action plan, and recommend when a patient with severe asthma should see a specialist.
This study will look at how well the eAMS-Pharm system works when used in certain pharmacies. We will compare the care patients received before the system was put in place with the care they receive six months after it's introduced. The aim is to understand if this system can help pharmacists provide better and more complete asthma care, ultimately leading to better control for patients.
Key takeaways
- A new electronic system aims to improve asthma care in pharmacies.
- Pharmacists will use this system to give more tailored advice for asthma.
- The study assesses if this system helps improve asthma control and care.
- It could lead to better medication adjustments and personal action plans.
- Participation means continuing your usual pharmacy visits for asthma.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you would need to have asthma. You also need to be a patient seen at one of the participating pharmacies during the time the study is running.
The study also includes the pharmacy team members themselves – this means pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, assistants, and students who work at the participating pharmacies. They will be using the new electronic system as part of their help for asthma patients.
The study is open to adults aged 16 years and over. There are no restrictions based on gender.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Do you have asthma?
- Are you 16 years old or older?
- Do you visit one of the pharmacies taking part in this study?
- Are you happy for your pharmacy to use a new electronic system to help manage your asthma?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you won't be asked to do anything extra beyond your usual visits to the pharmacy for your asthma care. The study is about how pharmacists use a new electronic system (eAMS-Pharm) to help manage your asthma during your regular pharmacy visits. You would simply continue with your normal pharmacy interactions for your asthma while the study is running.
The study involves the pharmacy team using this new system when they talk to you about your asthma. This system will help them assess your asthma, suggest medication adjustments, create an asthma action plan for you, and advise on specialist referrals if needed. The study will look at the care received by patients at the participating pharmacies for six months before the system is introduced, and then for six months after it starts being used. Your involvement simply means being a patient who receives asthma care from a participating pharmacy during these periods.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Medical Place PharmacyVerified postcodeAjax, Canada
- LiveWell PharmacyVerified postcodeNiagara Falls, Canada
- Westmount Place PharmacyVerified postcodeWaterloo, Canada
Common questions
What is eAMS-Pharm?
It's an electronic system used by pharmacists to help them manage your asthma better, based on national guidelines.
Will I have to do anything differently?
No, you just continue with your usual pharmacy visits for your asthma care as you normally would.
What kind of information does the system use?
It uses information about how well your asthma is controlled, your risk of flare-ups, and your current medications.
Can this system help me get a personal asthma action plan?
Yes, one of its aims is to help pharmacists provide you with a personalised plan for managing your asthma, especially during flare-ups.
Who can take part in this study?
Adults aged 16 and over with asthma, who visit one of the participating pharmacies, can be included.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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