Evaluating protocols for pharmacist-recommended treatments of minor health issues
Evaluation of the Effect of Consensus-based Protocols for the Treatment of Minor Ailments in Drugstores and Pharmacies in Medellin and the Metropolitan Area, Colombia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
This study tests if following specific guidelines for over-the-counter treatments in pharmacies can help people with minor health issues get better faster and need fewer trips to the doctor.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad de Antioquia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Medellín, Antioquia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06378099 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of consensus pharmaceutical indication protocols in community pharmacies for treating minor ailments. Patients seeking over-the-counter medications will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which follows these protocols, or a control group that receives standard care. The study aims to determine if these protocols can reduce the time it takes for minor ailments to resolve and decrease the need for physician referrals. Additionally, it will profile the demographics of patients seeking care and assess the necessity and effectiveness of the medications provided.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals seeking over-the-counter medications for minor ailments in Medellin and its metropolitan area.
Not a fit: Patients with symptoms lasting more than seven days or those whose ailments are due to adverse drug reactions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the efficiency of minor ailment treatment and reduce unnecessary physician visits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that structured protocols in pharmacy settings can improve patient outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Drugstores and drugstores/pharmacies: * Establishments located in Medellin and Metropolitan area * Establishments that have a Pharmacy Technician serving as the technical director. * Establishments with electronic point-of-sale system for data collection. * Commitment to participate for the full 10-month study period. Participants (patients): * Explicit consent to participate in the study. * Are the direct consumers requesting the nonprescription drug (i.e., not requesting them on behalf of someone else). * Present one of the five predefined potential MA that will be included in the study: influenza-like syndrome and catarrh, headache, common cold, sore throat, and menstrual pain or cramps. * Have access to mobile phone for follow-upThe person requesting the OTC medication must be the end consumer of it. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects who refuse to sign the informed consent * Subjects with an evident incapacity to complete the data questionnaire * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Patients whose MA result from an ADR * Patients with symptoms lasting more than seven days
Where this trial is running
Medellín, Antioquia
- Farmacias Pasteur S.A. — Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Andrea Salazar
- Email: asalazarospina@gmail.com
- Phone: +573017971909
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.