engleski

World COPD day - pharmacists' and physicians'collaborative practice

Background: COPD is today the fourth preeminent cause of death in the world and is projected to be the 3rd leading cause of death by 2020. Purpose: The aim of this health care action was to raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in order to ease early detection of symptoms and early diagnosing among people. Methods: People attending this health care action were examined by pharmacists using adapted questionnaire to determine risk factors and already present symptoms. They were also explained the importance of present symptoms, smoking cessation and early diagnosing of COPD. People with risk factors had their pulmonary function screened using spirometry. The spirometry was performed by a pulmonologist. According to spirometry results, limitation of pulmonary function was assessed and people were advised to perform further diagnostic treatments. Results: A total of 53 people (M=21 ; F=32) participated. Median age was 67 years (range 26 - 88). Among participating people 5 (9.4%) were already diagnosed either COPD or asthma. Spirometry results in 23 (43.4%) participants were normal, but in 30 (56.6%) various stages of airway obstruction were found. Of all the participants 22 (41.5%) were non-smokers, 19 (35.8%) ceased smoking and 12 (22.6%) still smoked. Conclusion: Results obtained in this public health action indicate the importance of preventive exams and early disease diagnosing, but also the role of pharmacists as health care professionals in improving public health. This public health action has once more proved that tighter interprofessional collaboration of pharmacists and physicians is needed.

COPD, pharmacists, physicians, collaborative practise

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