A training program to help pharmacists advise on self-medication and which has been developed in Europe is now available through the internet at www.imim.es/tesemed.
The training program is designed to simulate conversations between pharmacists and customers who are seeking advice on symptoms which might be suitable for self-treatment. It has sections based on protocols for treating minor ailments such as colds and influenza, cough, constipation and haemorrhoids. Each has been revised by a panel of pharmacists and doctors.
The sections are each divided into three modules. The first covers the minor ailment, its symptoms, possible over-the-counter treatments and circumstances when referral to a doctor is necessary. The second covers aspects which pharmacists should take into account, including the age of the patient, symptoms reported, other diseases and special situations, such as pregnancy. The final module simulates conversations with patients.
Patient profiles are generated automatically by the program. The pharmacist selects questions to ask from a menu. The menu of questions depend on the previous answers given by the patient. The profiles and questions change each time the program is used.
The program has been developed as part of a European Commission research project called Tesemed. The project is being co-ordinated by the Medical Institut d'Investigació in Barcelona, Spain, and is supported by the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU), the Association of the European Self-medication Industry, the faculty of pharmacy at the University of Santiago de Compostela and two software companies

The Tesemed homepage