The role of non-clinicians in a goal setting model for the management of allergic rhinitis in community pharmacy settings.
OBJECTIVE
To test the relative effects of a clinician versus non-clinician delivered goal setting intervention to assist patients presenting with Intermittent Allergic Rhinitis (IAR) in community pharmacies.


METHODS
A 10-day mixed-method, parallel group repeated measures study was conducted in Sydney. Clinicians (pharmacists) and non-clinicians (pharmacy assistants) recruited patients suffering IAR. Intervention group pharmacy staff delivered a brief structured goal setting intervention to support IAR patient self-management whilst the control group delivered standard care.


RESULTS
One hundred and fifty participants (N=77 intervention; N=73 control) were recruited at 20 community pharmacies. Both groups significantly improved on all outcome measures when assisted by either clinicians or non-clinicians. The intervention group patients supported by non-clinicians made significant improvements in self-efficacy and quality of life compared to the control group supported by non-clinicians. Strategies devised to control IAR triggers reflected practical actions whereas adherence and dose information strategies addressed IAR symptoms. Adherence did not impact significantly on self-reported symptom severity.


CONCLUSIONS
Both clinicians and non-clinicians can deliver this service. There is a need for a detailed and practical approach to assist patients towards a goal-directed and autonomous management of IAR.


CONCLUSIONS
With training non-clinicians can support patients with IAR, reducing the time constraints and workload for clinicians.
Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia. lorraine.smith@usyd.edu.au
Lorraine
L
Smith
Tony
T
Nguyen
Celina
C
Seeto
Bandana
B
Saini
Lin
L
Brown
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010594:Pharmacies; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012044:Regression Analysis; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce