Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances. When the symptoms are caused by pollen, allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever. A study by O’Connor and coworkers examined the impact of healthcare professional versus patient goal setting for the self-management of intermittent allergic rhinitis on symptom severity and quality of life in was a six-week, parallel group study. Group A participants, with pharmacist facilitation, nominated relevant goals and strategies relating to their rhinitis. Group B participants had their goals and strategies set by the pharmacist. The main outcome measures included perceived symptom severity and quality of life; in addition, goals and strategies data from participants of both groups were collected and analyzed. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in symptom severity and quality of life scores, although Group B symptom severity scores improved more. Group B showed a greater number of goals and strategies, which were better structured, and more tasks specific.

VALUE OF STUDY TO READER: The authors concluded that self-management goals set by the healthcare professional that are clinically indicated but tailored to the patient's nominated symptoms yields better outcomes than goals nominated by the patient. Such a simplistic approach is not really self-management, however, but a set of recommendations passed along to patients by a pharmacist. The approach avoids the necessary health care professional/patient relationships that are so important to the long-term performance to achieve a set of goals for managing a chronic condition.

J O’Connor et al. Healthcare professional versus patient goal setting in intermittent allergic rhinitis. Patient Education & Counseling, November 6, 2007.