Good respiratory health is essential for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, yet it is often overlooked.

Respiratory health conditions including Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) can significantly affect quality of life, however many people do not realise how serious they can be. COPD is a progressive and incurable lung condition with around one in seven Australians aged 40 years and over having some form of COPD¹. It is estimated that around 50 percent of people currently living with COPD are undiagnosed¹.

COPD is treatable, however remains a leading cause of mortality, ranking third globally and fifth in Australia ², highlighting the critical importance of raising awareness about the signs and symptoms.

Pharmacy’s Role in Supporting Respiratory Health

We recognise respiratory health as an area where pharmacists, being accessible to the community, can raise awareness through education and regular check-ins. 

Pharmacy 777 has conducted a Lung Health Check pilot with a focus on screening COPD to help bridge a gap in respiratory health care. The screening service aims to support in diagnosing patients and raising awareness of the condition in the broader community. 

COPD is largely misunderstood in the community, and as such, patients who are breathless or have other symptoms may not be prompted to follow up with further investigation. This is where pharmacists have an opportunity to raise awareness in the community through services such as the Pharmacy 777  Lung Health Check.  

Collaboration with other Health Practitioners

Respiratory Physician Dr Scott Claxton has supported the development of Pharmacy 777’s comprehensive COPD screening service, seeing it as a step in the right direction for pharmacists and other health professionals to work together in supporting patients. 

"As a respiratory physician, addressing the gap in lung health screening and timely diagnosis is critical. Early detection significantly improves patient outcomes, yet many remain undiagnosed until conditions worsen. This screening service has been vital in identifying at-risk individuals and ensuring timely care,” Dr. Claxton said.

“The collaboration between pharmacists, GPs, and respiratory physicians has enhanced the screening process, enabling prompt investigations and referrals. This multidisciplinary approach has strengthened my practice by delivering more comprehensive, patient-focused care.”

The Pharmacy 777 Lung Health Check (COPD Screening)

Pharmacy 777 screens patients who are at risk of COPD to optimise referral for spirometry and early, targeted interventions for COPD. 

The service aims to empower patients to be proactive with their health and recognise the risks associated with developing COPD through education and counselling to assist with informed decision-making. 

It is designed for patients who exhibit COPD-related risk factors and allows pharmacists to screen for symptoms and lung function, referring them to a Respiratory Physician or GP for diagnostic assessment and spirometry if required.  

The service also identifies symptoms that may be related to other respiratory diseases such as asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer. 

During the six-month pilot, which included pharmacies in both regional and metro areas, more than half the patients screened required a follow-up, either with their GP or a respiratory physician. Out of these patients, a third of them followed up with spirometry testing, were diagnosed with COPD, and started on COPD therapy. 

The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in COPD and Chronic Disease Management

Pharmacy 777 is currently exploring opportunities for expansion of the service. Particularly to allow regional pharmacists access to timely spirometry testing to confirm COPD diagnosis, as well as providing ongoing support with treatment for those patients who are diagnosed with COPD. 

“Pharmacists play a key role in post-diagnosis disease management by supporting GPs and respiratory physicians in monitoring treatment adherence, providing medication counselling, and managing potential drug interactions. Their expertise help refine treatment plans and improve patient outcomes,” Dr Claxton also shared. 

By embracing their expanding scope of practice, pharmacists play a crucial role in spreading awareness of COPD within the community, ultimately supporting the Australian healthcare system and improving respiratory health outcomes for all. 

Through initiatives like the Pharmacy 777 Lung Health Check, pharmacists can empower patients to take control of their respiratory health. 
 

References –

1. https://lungfoundation.com.au/patients-carers/living-with-a-lung-disease/copd/overview/

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10695119/

3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)