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

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.