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August 16, 2025Open Access

The role of pharmacists in asthma management: patient opinions and expectations in North Macedonia

DMDijana MicevaGoce Delcev University MCMaja Simonoska CrcarevskaSaints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje ZNZorica NaumovskaSaints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje

Key Points

Most patients (69%) reported adherence to therapy, yet a significant fraction had never received inhaler training.
Only 27.3% received instruction from a pharmacist while 96.3% showed interest in pharmacist counseling on medications.
A cross-sectional survey conducted among 187 asthma patients highlighted gaps in inhaler technique education.
Findings suggest potential for expanding pharmacist-led education and improving collaboration with physicians.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess patients’ perceptions of inhaler technique education and the pharmacist’s role in asthma care in North Macedonia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2024 at the University Clinic for Pulmonology and Allergology in Skopje, involving 187 adult asthma patients. Most participants (69%) reported adherence to therapy, but 13.9% had never received inhaler training, and only 27.3% had been instructed by a pharmacist. While 96.3% expressed interest in pharmacist counseling on medications, only 48.7% were open to pharmacist-led inhaler training. Significant associations were found between adherence and both gender ( p = 0.040) and inhaler training. These findings suggest limited awareness of the pharmacist’s clinical role. Expanding pharmacist-led education in community pharmacies and fostering collaboration with physicians could improve asthma outcomes and promote more effective use of healthcare resources.

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