Evaluation of the effectiveness of an Internet-based continuing education program on pharmacy-based minor ailment management: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Paulo Roque Obreli-Neto,Yesmin Marie Lahoud,Camilo Molino Guidoni,André De Oliveira Baldoni,Srecko Marusic,Leonardo Régis Leira Pereira,Christian Franco Soares,Gilson Castedalli

doi:10.1590/s1984-82502016000100003

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based continuing education (CE) program on pharmacy-based minor ailment schemes (PMASs). A controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted in community pharmacies in Brazil. Community pharmacists (CPs) were enrolled in two groups: intervention (n = 61) and control (n = 60). CPs who were enrolled to the intervention group participated in an Internet-based CE program. CPs in the control group received no educational intervention. We evaluated participant perception, learning outcomes, and practice performance. Learner satisfaction with the CE program was high for every point evaluated (mean ± standard deviation = 4.2 ± 0.4). Posttest learner outcome scores and practice performance in the intervention group after the conclusion of the CE program significantly improved compared with pretest scores (p < 0.001) and were significantly better compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The present Internet-based CE program is a viable educational strategy for improving participant perception, learning outcomes, and practice performance in PMASs.

Highlights

Minor ailments are defined as “common or selflimiting or uncomplicated conditions which can be diagnosed and managed without medical intervention” (Pray, 2005)
A website with a moodle platform was developed by our Expert Reference Group with technical support from a Brazilian university (Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos)
Community pharmacists who were assigned to the intervention group received a personal login and password to access the Internet-based continuing education (CE) program

Summary

Introduction

Minor ailments are defined as “common or selflimiting or uncomplicated conditions which can be diagnosed and managed without medical intervention” (e.g., cold, cough, and indigestion) (Pray, 2005). Eight percent of emergency department consultations each year involved minor ailments, costing the UK National Health Service (NHS) £136 million annually (Bednall et al, 2003; Morris, 2001). In the UK, pharmacy-based minor ailment schemes (PMASs) provide public access to NHS treatment and/or advice via a community pharmacist (CP), pharmacy personnel, or, where appropriate, referral to other healthcare professionals (Bellingham, 2005). These schemes were originally proposed by the UK NHS as part of their long-term strategy to encourage patient self-care and the utilization of pharmacies as the first port of call for minor ailments where professional support was required (Department of Health, 2000). A systematic review by Paudyal et al (2013) verified that minor ailments are being dealt with appropriately by PMASs, with low reconsultation rates and high symptom-resolution rates

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