Home Visit

We got to go on a home visit with Thai students from Chiang Mai University. We visited a man in his 60s who was diagnosed with COPD. We were able to look at his medications which included theophylline, tiotropium, and budesonide. He is very compliant with his medications which has significantly helped his COPD. He was a former smoker who quit shortly after his diagnosis but his wife still smokes knowing the harm it can cause.

He told us during the home visit that he tried a gecko to help with his COPD exacerbations. He got this idea from his doctor who mentioned that he gives it to his wife to help with her exacerbations. Because they live in the village access to a doctor at times is difficult. There was a point where he didnt want to go to the doctors for treatment even if that meant he would die. Now that he sees how much of a difference it has made in his life, he no longer has an issue with seeking help when its needed. These pharmacy students are another means to check up on the villagers. They are assessing the patients medications, health, and the quality of their home and life.

The students were volunteers to help with a center that focuses on basic health needs. This is where the villagers could get their dental care, as well as get treatment for smaller injuries like cuts. They have a system where they seperate the patient files by the 11 different villages they care to. A long with this, one file would include health information from a family's household. Which was pretty interesting to see because I have not heard of that before. It was a great opportunity to be able to work with the Thai pharmacy students and observe them on their home visit. 

Thank you,
Desiree