Supporting self-care: Sore throat

Sore throat is a common self-limiting condition which often leads to patients presenting in the pharmacy for advice, treatment options and reassurance. Sore throat is predominantly a viral condition for which symptomatic management offers the most appropriate course of action. Effective diagnosis, communication and managing expectations can prevent unnecessary onward referral or inappropriate antibiotic use.

Aim:
To help pharmacists enhance their role as the primary healthcare professional in the appropriate management of sore throat through improved communication and appropriate management that supports self-care.

Learning objectives:
1. List the presenting symptoms of sore throat
2. Explain the diagnosis of sore throat
3. Describe an evidence-based approach to treatment options

Moderator:
-Sabiha Essack, Professor: Pharmaceutical Sciences
South African Research Chair in Antibiotic Resistance & One Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Panellists:
-Douglas Bourgoyne, Principal Cooperative Benefits Group, LLC, USA
-John Bell, Community pharmacist and Self-care Advisor
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Australia
-Wirat Tongrod, Member of AMR Commission, Lecturer – Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Huachiew Chalermprakiat University- Thailand