Why patient counselling is important

Arguably, assuring that the patient understands the treatment is as critical to the role as filling prescriptions accurately. If a medicine is not properly discussed with a pharmacist, the person leaves the pharmacy with only the directions on the medication label and an information pamphlet. Allocating appropriate time for each patient is crucial to effective counselling. Each and every patient should understand why they are taking a medicine and exactly how it should be taken Pathickal et al.

With a community setting that has largely become like a business, pharmacists must do what they can to try to make themselves available to the patients Pathickal et al. Open-ended questioning and active listening are essential skills for sharing information with patients, and obtaining information from them as well.

This can be achieved through the use of teaching aids, interpreters, or cultural guides if necessary. Pharmacists also need to observe and interpret the nonverbal messages e. Leuck endorses the DRUG acronym to assist pharmacists in remembering the vital components of patient counselling. An active counselling role not only facilitates a clearer understanding of medicines but also plays an important role in emphasising the necessity of medication adherence Pathickal et al.

Question 1 of 3. Start an Ausmed Subscription to unlock this feature! This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: Verify here. Contact us directly at Bedford Pharmacy we believe that a pharmacy should be much more than a place you get your prescription filled.

Bedford Pharmacy prides itself on its individual patient counseling. Bedford Pharmacy , our pharmacists have been well trained for patient counseling to ensure our customers get their questions answered. Patient Counseling. Contact us directly at Here are some tips for Guidelines of Patient Counseling Risk Minimisation Understand patient views about medication therapy. In addition to, educate about the benefits of treatment. Inform patients about potential ADRs and management strategies should any occur.

Ensure an updated and accurate medication list. Utilise decision support software to help prevent ADRs. Start with low doses and frequencies and slowly titrate as tolerated. Initiate less-potent agents, agents with direct mechanisms of action, or alternatives with lower adverse event incidence. Avoid or reduce the use of interacting medications. Prescribe dosage forms with minimal systemic exposure eg creams, patches. Evaluate new symptoms as possible ADRs, looking into health conditions, labs, or other factors which may explain the symptoms.

Besides, consider the temporal relationship between medication initiation and symptom onset. Challenge concepts like stopping the medication to see if the symptom subsides in absence of the medication, and restarting to see if symptoms return. Utilise lab tests for more evidence to identify an ADR. In addition to, reduce dosing or discontinue the offending medication.

Switch to another agent or dosage form less likely to cause ADRs. Moreover, treat side effects when necessary beware of prescribing cascades. Difference between patient counseling and patient education: On one hand patient education includes presenting of: Basic medical information Side effects and interactions Storage, how to store drug properly. Moreover, the medication expected onset of action and what to do if the action does not occur.

Action to be taken in case of a missed dose. Potential drug—drug including nonprescription , drug—food, and drug—disease interactions or contraindications. Prescription refill authorisations and the process for obtaining refills. Instructions for hour access to a pharmacist. In addition to, the Proper storage of the medication. Proper disposal of contaminated or discontinued medications and used administration devices.

Generally, the following steps are appropriate for patients receiving new medications: 1. Establish caring relationships with patients. Introduce yourself as a pharmacist. Explain the purpose and expected length of the Sessions. Asses their capability to use the medications appropriately, and attitude toward the health problems and medications.

Provide information orally and use visual aids or demonstrations. Open the medication containers to show patients the colors, sizes, shapes, and markings on oral solids. For oral liquids and injectables, show patients the dosage marks on measuring devices. Demonstrate the assembly and use of administration devices such as nasal and oral inhalers. As a supplement to face-to-face oral communication, provide written handouts to help the patient recall the information. In addition to, if a patient is experiencing problems with his or her medications, gather data and assess the problems.

Then adjust the pharmacotherapeutic regimens according to protocols or notify the prescribers. Ask patients to describe or show how they will use their medications and identify their effects. Role of pharmacist: The pharmacy profession is changing within the healthcare system. In addition to, the Pharmaceutical care does not adhere to the way that pharmacists have traditionally practiced.

Instead it requires the pharmacist to work with the patient and other healthcare providers to promote health. Pharmaceutical care requires that pharmacists take responsibility for preventing and resolving drug related problems.

Also for optimising drug therapy, while involving the patient throughout the whole process. For this reason, pharmaceutical care does not end when the patient leaves the pharmacy It involves assessment, monitoring, documenting care and progress, and follow-up care. As current and future pharmacists, we should understand the influence of the care that we provide through a communicative relationship with the patient.

Finally, as pharmacists, one of the most important counseling points to all patients is the importance of medication adherence. Skills for patient counseling: There are various skills vital to successful pharmacist patient interaction during patient counseling sessions.