Increasing awareness of over-the-counter measures to decrease allergy symptoms: A quality improvement project

Problem:

Seasonal allergies affect people worldwide and the prevalence is increasing. Although most allergy symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) measures, few patients are correctly educated to use modalities such as decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, and antihistamines. Allergic rhinitis can cause sinus inflammation and congestion. These symptoms lead a patient to seek antibiotics for a sinus infection. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics contributes partly to antibiotic resistance.

Purpose:

The purpose of this project is to increase university students' awareness of OTC measures that help alleviate allergy symptoms. Intervention: Educational video discussing OTC treatments.

Measures:

This Quality Improvement (QI) project examined changes of pre-survey and post-survey questionnaire results.

Results:

Overall, statistically significant change of pre-test versus post-test-scores.

Conclusion:

The educational video increased awareness as to the use OTC therapies for allergic rhinitis. This project may result in lessened frequency of sinusitis and decreased use of antibiotics.