Opportunities - Implementation and Evaluation of Pharmacist-Provided Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Care Pathway in Community Pharmacies in Alberta: RxESPIRO Study
Implementation and Evaluation of Pharmacist-Provided Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Care Pathway in Community Pharmacies in Alberta: RxESPIRO Study
University of Alberta
Background
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition characterized by persistent inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation progressively damages the lungs and leads to symptoms such as chronic cough and difficulty breathing. COPD is associated with a wide array of health consequences, including mental health impacts as it limits people’s ability to participate in their usual activities of daily life. There is no cure for COPD, and it remains the third leading cause of death in the world.
Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to care for patients with COPD due to their accessibility and frequent interactions with patients during medication and inhaler refills. Pharmacists are well equipped to support these patients by assessing medication regimens and inhaler technique and recognizing the need for escalated care when symptoms worsen, such as during respiratory infections.
Our research team aims to develop a new interdisciplinary, pharmacist-driven care model in COPD management, called the COPD Care Pathway. After development, we plan to implement the pathway in Alberta pharmacies. The COPD Care Pathway will give pharmacists a guideline-based decision tool that enables them to identify suboptimal COPD therapy and use their scope of practice to intervene and improve management.
Increasing the number of patients on guideline-recommended therapy is the primary goal of the study. In doing so, this study will help patients improve their symptoms and quality of life. The benefits of this study are expected to reach beyond the immediate patient population, as better COPD management alleviates stress on caregivers and families. An additional goal of this study is to generate evidence demonstrating the value of pharmacist-driven care. Pharmacists can alleviate strain in the healthcare system by managing various conditions, thereby reducing demands on physicians and emergency departments. Evidence from this study will help inform policy and support the development of more integrated pathways for pharmacist involvement in primary care, with the ultimate goal of improving health care access for all Albertans.
Roles and Responsibilities
We are looking for 1-2 Alberta based partners with lived experience of COPD or who are caregivers for someone living with COPD to join our team and provide insights and feedback on the COPD Care Pathway. Your feedback will help us assess the Care Pathway’s relevance, usefulness, and accessibility, ensuring that we create a tool that best meets the needs of people impacted by COPD.
Time Commitment
This opportunity includes two to three 1-hour online meetings between August and December 2026. There may be additional meetings or opportunities to provide feedback via email in 2027.
This is an online opportunity, however, Edmonton-based patient partners could attend meetings in-person at the University of Alberta if they prefer.
Compensation
Compensation will be offered as per AbSPORU guidelines (here) and in the form of prepaid gift cards. Parking and/or public transit will be covered.
For more information or to apply please connect with
Tatiana Makhinova, University of Alberta, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Telephone 780.492.7838
