Promoting healthier treatment options: Sore throat and cough
Episode 1: Understanding sore throat with cough
In this episode, Andrew Straw, Cedarville University School of Pharmacy Ohio, USA, provides an overview of the common causes of these symptoms, how they overlap, and the tools pharmacists can use to assess patients. He also highlights the importance of recognising red flags and knowing when referral to other healthcare providers is needed.
Episode 2: Promoting symptom-based care through a stewardship approach
In this episode, Tracey Thornley, Professor of Health Policy, University of Nottingham; FIP AMR Commission Member, UK, outlines the risks of unnecessary antibiotic use and highlights evidence-based options for symptom relief. She also explores how pharmacists can promote responsible self-care strategies, educate patients, and play a vital role in antimicrobial stewardship.
Self-care interventions for enhanced patient care: management of sore throats
This episode underscores the significance of self-care for sore throat, showcasing the pivotal role of pharmacists. You will learn about sore throats, differentiate between sore throat and tonsillitis, sore throat self-management, examine antibiotic usage, and pharmacists’ contributions to enhancing patient self-care for improved respiratory well-being.
Sore throat management in the community
Sore throat is generally a self-limiting condition that usually has no significant long-term harmful effects on health. It consists of a painful, dry or scratchy feeling in the throat. Pharmacists play an important role in supporting self-care in cases of sore throat and can thus avoid patients’ unnecessary use of other healthcare resources and the unwarranted use of antimicrobials. This series includes six videos on different aspects of sore throat management, from causes and symptoms, to triage and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options.
Recognising and managing chronic bronchitis in the community
To mark World COPD Day, (16 November), FIP is launching a new series of short videos aiming to support pharmacists in recognising and managing chronic bronchitis in the community. Chronic bronchitis is included under the umbrella term COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and has numerous clinical consequences, such as predisposition to lower respiratory tract infections, accelerated decline in lung function, and decreased health-related quality of life. Chronic bronchitis can be common and can go unrecognised and undiagnosed at the early stages. Identification, advice, management and referral are all ways in which pharmacists can play a role.
