Pharmacists management of allergic rhinitis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of a community pharmacy pathway for the management of patients with uncontrolled intermittent allergic rhinitis
IRAS ID
204359
Contact name
Derek Stewart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 28 days
Research summary
Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects a large number of patients and has a significant impact on quality of life. In many cases, patients with mild AR self-treat with products from pharmacies whereas those with moderate to severe disease seek treatment from the general practitioner (GP). However, management of patients with moderate disease could be easily managed in community pharmacies, supported by a treatment algorithm.
In the present study, we are exploring the use of such an algorithm in combination with a smartphone app that allows patients to monitor symptom severity. Using the app, patients with uncontrolled AR will return to the pharmacy, rather than the GP, for further treatment.
Such an approach builds on the current practice of managing mild AR within pharmacies and has the potential to become adopted more widely, enhancing care, reducing the burden on GPs and promoting the clinical role of the community pharmacist.REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0443
Date of REC Opinion
31 May 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion