Lungen- und Atemwegsmedizin

Survey of Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) Pharmacists – Who are they and how is this Credential Being Used?

Abstract

Timothy R. Hudd, Suzanne G. Bollmeier and Enrique Seoane-Vazquez

Objective: A survey was developed and distributed to pharmacists who have earned the certified asthma educator credential (AE-C) to assess asthma education services provided and their perceived value of the AE-C. Design: A 28 item survey was developed, pretested and distributed electronically. Participants: 224 AE-C certified pharmacists practicing within the United States were invited to participate. Main Outcome Measures: Information pertaining to the level of education, professional affiliations, and practice setting was collected along with other demographic attributes.We also inquired about the types of asthma education services provided, related clinical activities, and whether AE-C pharmacists or their employers had received reimbursement for time spent providing such services. Results: A total of 57 (25.4%) pharmacists from 30 different states completed the survey. Respondents were primarily female (79.2%); had earned a Pharm.D. degree (81.1%); completed a post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) residency (37.7%); with most practicing in either an ambulatory care (49.1%) or academic (35.8%) setting. The majority of respondents (84.4%) indicated they would recommend the AE-C credential to a pharmacist colleague. Professional advancement, improved confidence in managing asthma, and increased credibility were among the reported benefits of the AE-C. Limited recognition of the credential among pharmacists and lack of reimbursement for services were perceived barriers to pursing an AE-C. Conclusion: AE-C pharmacists are playing an integral role in managing patients with asthma. The AE-C credential has been viewed favorably by most pharmacists who have earned this credential. However, efforts to increase awareness of the AE-C among pharmacists may be necessary.