Abstract

Context
The Reliever Reliance Test (RRT) is a self-assessment test designed to encourage patients to explore their apparent over-reliance on SABA, as a preliminary to behaviour change. We have evaluated a new patient support pathway for community pharmacy (CP) use, that begins with an invitation to undertake the RRT.
The pathway involved: identifying patients dispensed 6 or more SABA inhalers in the previous 12 months; when their medication was collected, issuing a copy of the RRT for private completion and offering an optional follow-up consultation; providing a consultation if requested.
Evaluation outcomes assessed
Questionnaires were used to collect feedback from pharmacists (n=11) and patients who consented to provide information at follow-up consultations (n=78), along with demographic and care data.
Evaluation findings
We have previously described non-clinical design factors of the pathway[1] and also described findings including: 69% of patients providing feedback at consultations spontaneously reported improved knowledge of asthma and inhaler role and that CPs were universally positive about the usefulness of the RRT[2].
Here we provide detail of patient characteristics, patient care and follow-up consultations.
• Mean age: 58.9y (SD=14.1y); sex: m51%, f49% (not pre-determined); ethnicity: 30% Asian, 30% White, 15% Black, 14% Other, 10% Mixed
• 41% of patients reported having a completed PAAP
• 27% of patients were referred to another HCP
• Consultations were patient-tailored but with a focus on improving understanding of asthma self-management
• Specifically, consultations included: discussion of the role of each inhaler (88%); checking inhaler technique (79%); utilising airway models or graphics (59%), use of the Asthma Slide Rule (31%) and challenge cards (14%).
• 75% of consultations were face to face; 25% by distance means.
Message
Using the RRT in typical CP scenarios, can support patient understanding of asthma and inhaler roles.
1.Heading CE. 2022 https://www.pcrs-uk.org/abstracts
2.Attar-Zadeh, D. 2023 https://www.ipcrg.org/23045