Community pharmacy provision of allergic rhinitis treatments: a longitudinal study of patient reported outcome

Objective To monitor and compare the symptoms, and reported quality of life, of two groups of people who obtained treatment for allergic rhinitis from community pharmacies (prescribed or purchased). Method Subjects were recruited by 64 community pharmacies in 2001 and followed up by postal questionnaire at four time points: five days, four weeks, eight weeks and 26 weeks. Setting Primary care: community pharmacies in Grampian, Scotland. Results Response rates: five days — 84%; four weeks — 63%; eight weeks — 59%; 26 weeks — 56%. Three hundred and twenty‐four subjects completed the five‐day questionnaire (138 prescribed, 186 purchased). There were no important differences between groups in socio‐economic variables monitored. The commonest treatments provided were antihistamines (non‐sedating: 63% prescribed, 59% purchased; sedating: 3% prescribed, 16% purchased). Despite treatment, symptoms and quality‐of‐life impairments remained high; the prescribed group reported higher levels of many symptoms (including asthma), and lower quality of life at early time points. Most were satisfied with their treatment and few reported unmet need for pharmacy advice (11% prescribed, 3% purchased group). Conclusion Despite high levels of patient satisfaction with allergic rhinitis treatment, symptoms and quality‐of‐life impairments remained high in both groups. Widespread implementation of ‘allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma’ (ARIA) guidelines for physicians and for pharmacists might improve management of symptoms and quality of life of patients.