Authors (including presenting author) :
Chong CY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Pharmacy, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Telepharmacy
Keyword 2: :
Inhaler Adherence
Keyword 3: :
Inhaler Technique
Introduction :
The development of telepharmacy has advanced significantly, particularly in the post-COVID era. It offers cost-effective remote services, such as live counselling on inhaler use, which have proven to be as effective as face-to-face care.
Objectives :
This study evaluated the impact of telepharmacy on inhaler compliance and technique among asthma and COPD patients, aiming to enhance disease management through innovative and accessible care models.
Methodology :
This randomised controlled trial was conducted from September 2024 to April 2025 at two General Out-patient Clinics (GOPCs) in Hong Kong. Eligible asthma or COPD patients recently prescribed new types of inhalers were randomised into intervention or control group. The intervention group received two pharmacist-led telepharmacy video consultations via the HA GO app, while the control group received only one. In every session, assessment of disease control, inhaler compliance and technique were conducted, followed by counselling. Outcome measures included MMAS-8, inhaler technique assessments, and CAT/ACT scores at baseline and follow-up.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 35 patients completed the study, with 18 in intervention group and 17 in control group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. For post-intervention, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in medication compliance (MMAS-8: 7.71 vs. 5.54, p < 0.001), inhaler technique (0.947 vs. 0.787, p < 0.001), and asthma control (ACT: 21.89 vs 19.20, p = 0.048). Among COPD patients, the intervention group achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in CAT scores compared to the control group (6.00 vs. 9.71, p = 0.054) and showed significant within-group improvement from baseline (6.00 vs. 10.22, p = 0.001). As the first randomised controlled trial on telepharmacy for inhaler use in Hong Kong, this study provides supporting evidence for the development of telepharmacy as a routine clinical pharmacy service in the future.
