Patient uptake and outcomes following pharmacist-initiated referrals to general practitioners for asthma review

Uptake and outcomes of pharmacist-initiated general practitioner (GP) referrals for patients with poorly controlled asthma were investigated. Pharmacists referred at-risk patients for GP assessment. Patients were categorized as action takers ( consulted their GP on pharmacist’s advice) or action avoiders ( did not action the referral). Patient clinical data were compared to explore predictors of uptake and association with health outcomes. In total, 58% of patients ( n = 148) received a GP referral, of whom 78% ( n = 115) were action takers , and 44% ( n = 50) reported changes to their asthma therapy. Patient rurality and more frequent pre-trial GP visits were associated with action takers . Action takers were more likely to have an asthma action plan ( P = 0.001) at month 12, and had significantly more GP visits during the trial period ( P = 0.034). Patient uptake of pharmacist-initiated GP referrals was high and led to GP review and therapy changes in patients with poorly controlled asthma.