Definition of Patient Counselling
Patient counselling is a personalized communication process where pharmacists educate patients about their medications to promote safe and effective use.
It involves:
Information Exchange: Sharing knowledge about drug therapy, including benefits and risks.
Behavioral Support: Encouraging adherence and addressing barriers to proper medication use.
Empowerment: Enabling patients to make informed decisions about their health.
Steps in Patient Counseling
1) Preparation
Review Prescription: Understand the medication, dosage, and purpose.
Assess Understanding: Gauge patient’s knowledge about their condition and medications.
2) Introduction
Establish Rapport: Warmly greet the patient.
Identify Patient: Confirm identity and purpose of visit.
3) Information Gathering
Medication History: Review current and past medications, including supplements.
Allergies: Identify any known drug allergies.
Lifestyle Factors: Consider diet, alcohol, and smoking habits.
4) Education
Explain Medication: Discuss drug name, purpose, and mechanism.
Dosage & Administration: Provide usage instructions.
Duration: Inform on therapy length.
Side Effects: Explain potential adverse effects and actions if they occur.
Interactions: Warn about possible interactions.
Storage: Advise on proper storage.
5) Assessment
Check Understanding: Ask patient to summarize instructions.
Address Questions: Encourage questions and clarify as needed.
6) Documentation
Record Session: Note key points and patient concerns.
7) Follow-Up
Schedule Follow-Up: Ensure ongoing monitoring.
Provide Contact Info: Offer ways to reach out for questions.
This structured approach ensures patients are well-informed and supported in their medication use.