PATIENT'S COUNSELLING AND MANAGEMENT OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AND DRUG INTERACTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY PHARMACY (original) (raw)

The pharmacist can participate substantially in promoting effective and safe use of medicines, as he/she is often the last healthcare professional in contact with the patient, before the use of the drugs. Also, often pharmacists are the first to whom patients ask for advice due to their availability. This study aimed to evaluate the counselling provided by the pharmacist in the community pharmacy. We conducted a survey in pharmacies from 10 Romanian counties across the country. For the first 10/20 visitors of the pharmacy a questionnaire regarding the counselling provided by the pharmacist during the visit was filled in anonymously by the pharmacist. More than 80% of patients received advice from the pharmacist on the medicines' route of administration, use in relation to meals, dosage and duration of treatment. Around 60% of the patients were counselled on the medicines' contraindications and precautions, drug-drug interactions, additional changes in lifestyle and diet appr...