Management of COPD and Comorbidities in COPD patients by Dispensing Pharmaceutical Care following Global Initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease-Guidelines (GOLD guidelines 2020): A study protocol for a Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a medical condition that encompasses several chronic, progressive, and severe respiratory illnesses, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is the 4th most deadly disease in the world and its prevalence is expected to increase. Despite the abundance of information on the disease's etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment possibilities, it has long been underdiagnosed and underreported for a long time, particularly in developing countries. The symptoms of COPD result in significant impairments and significant impact on quality of life. COPD is the third leading cause of death in Pakistan. According to the published literature, COPD has been found to be associated with a serious economic burden, either the direct cost to healthcare systems in the form of frequent hospital admissions or indirect costs to patients suffering from COPD. Despite the availability of excellent medication, COPD treatment goals are frequently not achieved resulting in poor management of COPD. The recent studies revealed that due to the missing role of Pharmacists in most of the public sector hospitals of Pakistan, the COPD disease management protocols are not being properly followed. Pharma-cists can help the healthcare system by implementing these management protocols that focus on patient education about the disease, prescribed medications, and proper inhalation techniques. Furthermore, the pharmacists as an effective healthcare's team member properly educate the patients about the ongoing assessments and their willingness to follow treatment recommendations and quit smoking, while referring them to smoking cessation programs as needed, following the GOLD guidelines. This aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the impact of implementing standard treatment guidelines and the role of pharmacists in implementing GOLD guidelines for COPD management.