Pharmacy First CPD: Acute otitis media

This is the latest in our series of modules designed to support pharmacists to manage common conditions and to deliver the new Pharmacy First service in England and similar schemes elsewhere in the UK. It will be useful to all community pharmacists in their role of responding to patients’ symptoms.

This CPD module covers assessment and decision-making regarding acute otitis media (AOM) in children from one to 17 years of age. 

To provide a service for managing AOM, pharmacists need to gain experience and competence in using an otoscope.

After completing this module you will be able to:

• Assess symptoms that may be caused by acute otitis media
• Conduct an examination of the ear
• Know which conditions and red flags require referral
• Give appropriate advice on symptom relief
• Determine when antibiotics may be indicated
• Advise patients what to do if symptoms get worse (safety-netting).

Contributing authors: Professor Alison Blenkinsopp and Dr Martin Duerden