Pharmacist oath

Patient counseling: pharmaceutical care a new weapon for budding pharmacist

Dr. Satish S

Associate Professor

Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangalore

Recent advancement in the area of health care system had changed Pharmacy profession through  pharmaceutical care with more responsibilities. Pharmacist are working with patient and other healthcare providers to promote health and take responsibility for preventing, resolving drug related problems for optimizing drug therapy, while involving the patient throughout process. Pharmaceutical care does not end when the patient leaves the pharmacy, but it involves assessment, monitoring, documenting care and progress, and follow-up.

Patient counseling refers to the process of providing vital information, advice and assistance to help pharmacologically, non pharmacologically, ensure to take them properly. This also includes important information about the patient's illness and lifestyle. A patient is advised on whether medications should be taken with or without food, at bed time or in morning, with water, juice or milk, swallow whole or chew the tablet, time between each doses, this information will results in proper use and best therapeutic action of the medications. Patients can receive plenty of information about the use of the medication including how and when to take the medication, how long to take and what to do if side effects occur, or even in the event a dose is missed by accident.

Studies have shown that patient counseling can improve patient care in various ways includes reducing medication errors, increasing patients? understanding and management of their medical condition, minimizing incidence of adverse drug reactions and drug? drug interactions, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction with care

Effective counseling not only provides patients with the pertinent information they need to use their medication correctly, it also motivates them to adhere to their medication regimens. Pharmacists can motivate patients by discussing the benefits of medication adherence, offering support, and explaining the pros and cons of treatment. For example, when counseling a patient with diabetes, in addition to teaching the patient about medications, the pharmacist can stress the importance of maintaining tight glycemic control to decrease or prevent the complications associated with diabetes. Pharmacists suggests, about use of medication reminder containers, to facilitate patient adherence.

Pharmacist responsibilities cover a broad range, including activities such as dispensing medications, monitoring patient health, educating patients, and advising physicians and other health professionals on drug related questions. Furthermore, pharmacists are responsible for the patient’s welfare. Pharmacist are developing and building a relationship with each patient to give best result  so, the patient can feel more confident and comfortable in providing their medical history to the pharmacist, allowing the pharmacist to gather the proper tools and information needed to develop a drug therapy plan.