Management of the early symptoms of influenza-like illnesses and ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders by pharmacists.

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists play a key role in primary healthcare, but the characteristics of patients who consult a pharmacist directly rather than going to their general practitioner (GP) are unknown. Our aim was to describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who seek direct therapeutic advice from a pharmacist for influenza-like illness (ILI) or ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders, the types of medicines dispensed and patient satisfaction with the advice received.

METHODS

This prospective, observational study was carried out on a random sample of French pharmacies between November 2010 and March 2011. Patients (≥12-years) with early symptoms of ILI or ENT disorders (<36 h duration) who received treatment were included. Socio-demographic data, symptom severity and disease impact on daily activities and sleep were recorded at inclusion. Symptom evolution and patient satisfaction were assessed after 3 days of treatment.

RESULTS

573 patients (mean age: 42.5 ± 16.2 years; 61.9% female) were recruited by 133 pharmacies. Two-thirds of patients (63.2%) visited the pharmacy early (<24 h) after symptom onset. The most common symptoms were runny nose (56.4%), sore throat (54.6%) and cough (49.0%). Patients were given 2.6 ± 1.2 medications; 98.4% of patients received allopathic (usually paracetamol, 33.5%) and 25.3% homeopathic (Oscillococcinum, 56.6%) treatment, usually combined with allopathy. Compliance was good and 77.2% of patients continued treatment for 3 days. Most symptoms improved significantly after 3 days and quality of life was enhanced. 85.9% of patients were satisfied with the advice received.

CONCLUSIONS

Seeking a pharmacist's advice for the management of ILI and ENT disorders has several public health benefits. The clinical improvement and high patient satisfaction observed validate the role of the pharmacist as a health professional of first resort.