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.

Effectiveness of homeopathic medicine associated with allopathic medicine in the outpatient management of influenza-like illnesses or ear, nose, and throat disorders by pharmacists.

Background: Pharmacists play an increasing role in advising on treatment for minor illnesses such as influenza-like illness (ILI) or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders. However, the profile of patients consulting pharmacists with these illnesses, the types of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines recommended by pharmacists, and the effectiveness of these treatments have not been studied.

Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients recommended allopathic and/or homeopathic medicines for ILI or ENT disorders by pharmacists in France and to investigate the effectiveness of these treatments.