Clinician's Perspective on the Management of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care at Primary Health Care Settings in Pakistan; Context Analysis

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to highlight the barriers in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management in Pakistan. Place and Duration of Study: Primary health care facilities (18 in total) of rural areas in Punjab province, conducted on January 2014. Methodology: A cross sectional study is designed with a convenience sample of 18 primary health care facilities of rural areas in Pakistan. Structured interviews were conducted with health care providers and observational checklist of selected services was made for management of asthma and COPD care. Results: It was observed that there were no proper standardized guidelines and protocols available for clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment, life style counseling, follow up, recording and reporting system and referral for asthma and COPD management. Conclusions: Provincial and district health departments should take initiatives to ensure the proper identification of asthma/COPD patients and uninterrupted drugs supply at public health facility. Life style counseling should be an integral part of Asthma/COPD management. There is a need for extensive research to develop the protocols for Asthma/COPD management in low resource health system like in Pakistan.