What is EmPhAsIS?
EmPhAsIS is the abbreviation for Empowering Pharmacists in Asthma management through Interactive SMS.
The EmPhAsIS trial focuses on a simple intervention of education and enhanced involvement of community pharmacists in asthma management through centralized short message service (SMS) to asthma patients. Over the 1-year trial, we will study whether this intervention:
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Leads to better adherence to asthma inhalers
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Leads to better patient outcomes
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Is cost-effective
Why is it important?
Over 3 million Canadians of all ages suffer from asthma. Symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, coughing, and wheezing. When these symptoms are not controlled, they often lead to frequent doctor visits, hospitalizations, absence from school or work, and reduced quality of life.
Currently, there is no cure for asthma. However, there are treatments that can help patients lead symptom free lives. Because following these treatments or being adherent is important, we are conducting research with community pharmacists to help support and educate patients on taking their asthma medications.