Transcript Breathless - PTSA | Home

Pharmacy technician roles in helping clients
with respiratory conditions
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The views I am presenting today are my own
from my experience and references I am able
to supply to you if you are interested. They
do not reflect the opinions of the Calgary
Health Region and I do not work for the
region or AHS.
I have accepted funding for speaking many
times from different pharmaceutical
manufacturers and organizations including,
AstraZeneca, GSK, Nycomed, Anaphylaxis
Canada and Pfizer
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Asthma and allergies
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Croup, RSV, Infectious disease
Sleep apnea
Smoking
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Antibiotics for infections
Inhalers for symptoms and prevention
Devices used for inhaled medications
Over the counter treatment
Information on self care
Medication reconciliation role of technicians
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The trouble all begins at the nose
Sinuses add to the mix
Move on down to the throat, larynx
Lungs and airways
Branching off to alveoli
Problems can occur at all levels
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We breathe in through the nose, which
warms, humidifies and cleans the air.
Once it enters the lungs the blood flowing
past the alveoli through the capillaries take
the oxygen out of the air and dump the
carbon dioxide into the lungs to be blown off
as we breathe out.
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Asthma is likely present in about 5 per cent
of the population making it the most
common chronic disease, it affects children
and adults.
COPD incidence is rising dramatically ,
especially among women.
Allergies (allergic rhinitis especially) which
can affect breathing are one of the most
common causes of visits to MD
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Every person in Canada who has a respiratory
condition, like asthma, will see pharmacy
staff.
They are getting prescriptions filled or are
looking for help in the OTC section for cough,
allergies, chest congestion (phlegm or mucus)
They are looking for smoking cessation aids
They are looking for allergy treatments
They are looking for sleep aids
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Be able to recognize people who have these
conditions.
Know the treatments and how to use them
Recognize problems in use of medications
either on the medication profile or in talking
with clients about questions they have .
Some studies estimate that up to 80% of
people are using metered dose inhalers
incorrectly.
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This is a real team effort which starts with
correct diagnosis by physician who orders
treatment or further tests
The pharmacy staff can ensure safe and
effective medication use while filling
prescriptions, labeling, dispensing, educating
clients and families on use of medication
Technicians need to know how devices work
and what is appropriate for labeling
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Information on profile must be correct so that
it is loaded to electronic health records
correctly. Include demographic info
Discuss with pharmacist if a person is asking
for large amounts of medications. If they take
too many short acting relievers, there is a
problem.
Look back ---way back on profiles to see if
there is medications indicating chronic
conditions which are not being filled and
make pharmacist aware.
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Make sure you have placebo devices for the
pharmacist to demonstrate proper technique
and to assess if clients are using it properly.
You can answer question about use and
demonstrate in response to questions, but
the pharmacist must go over the whole thing
with clients.
Technicians are so important at starting the
dialogue with clients about device technique
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Placebo
Print handouts
Local resources
Online resources
Pharmaceutical industry resources
Check the dates on your print material
Order more and contact representatives of
manufacturers to get placebo devices if
needed at your location
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SABA-Short acting bronchodilators
Name 3 of them
LABA -Long acting bronchodilators
Name 2 of them
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Preventers
Name 4 of them
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Combination medications
Name 2
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Add on medications
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Case D Foot pro athlete
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Short acting bronchodilators
Name 2 classes
Long acting bronchodilators
As for asthma and ? ??
When to use combination inhalers
Case P Zoski
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TOP 10 Problems with respiratory meds
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MDI alone
and with chamber
Diskus
Turbuhaler
Suspension vs solution
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How do we know if someone has asthma or
COPD?
What is an exacerbation? How is it different
for the 2 conditions?
What should be done for each?
The role of the action plan for patient and
pharmacy staff
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Sinus nasal rinses and drops
Nasal aspirator
Nasal lubricant gels and sprays for allergies
and dry nasal membranes due to oxygen or
CPAP
Oral moisturizers for dry mouth due to
medications
And>>>>
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Fortunately asthma deaths are decreasing.
Unfortunately COPD incidence is increasing
Lung Cancer is increasing
What triggers aggravate these conditions?
What is number one preventable health
condition, the fifth vital sign. How does your
pharmacy deal with it?
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Know where local public health clinics are
Help pharmacists who can immunize to have
supplies and information to allow smooth
efficient workflow
Proper storage.
Accessing provincial supplies
Immunization records
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www.anaphylaxis.ca (Allergic Living
magazine)
www.lung.ca
www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/ican has
animated story for prereaders, forms for
parents and teachers, games for kids and
demos of device use.
www.asthmainschools.com
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