Improving asthma lives with a click

 A simple, digitised program by TerryWhite Chemmart is making asthma support more accessible to Australians nationwide, allowing people to receive support from their local pharmacists and GPs through its Asthma Control Quiz. 

People who may be concerned can take the Asthma Control Quiz through the TerryWhite Chemmart website, and the results are sent to them via SMS and email, with a prompt to book an appointment with their GP or respirologist based on their results. 

The rollout of the online service launched after Asthma Australia revealed almost a third1 of asthma sufferers do not have an Asthma Action Plan, which prompted TerryWhite Chemmart to expand its pharmacists’ scope and build a service that encourages patients to act on their asthma health. 

TerryWhite Chemmart’s Chief Pharmacist, Brenton Hart said helping Australians manage their asthma is paramount, especially when overuse of reliever medication in the Australian asthma population is on the rise. 

“Our key aim is to support people with asthma to use medication appropriately and get the best possible asthma control,” Mr Hart said. 

“Our community pharmacies play a key role in this aim, having regular contact with people with asthma who must access medication via pharmacies, and they often are the only health professional that some people with asthma see on a regular basis.” 

TerryWhite Chemmart is uniquely positioned to offer advice and referrals, particularly for people struggling with symptoms whose asthma is poorly controlled,” Mr Hart added. 

In partnership with Sanofi, who was awarded Ethical Supplier of the Year at TerryWhite Chemmart’s Supplier of the Year Awards in May, the Asthma Control Quiz is another demonstration of bringing true innovation to dispensaries through ongoing commitment and world-class education. 

Head of Medical for Specialty Care at Sanofi, Kasia Siwek said, “This program allows people living with asthma to receive additional support through a simple asthma control self-assessment. We are happy to work with TerryWhite Chemmart to roll out this program for all Australians living with asthma.” 

The Asthma Control Quiz is based on the ACQ5 questionnaire, which is used by respirologists and other healthcare professionals. 

Patients can also speak with their local TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist, who can help them understand how to manage their uncontrolled and/or severe asthma through better medication management and lifestyle factors. 

For more information about TerryWhite Chemmart’s Asthma Control Questionnaire please visit terrywhitechemmart.com.au.