Patient Counselling

Patient counselling means the oral communication by the pharmacist of information to the patient or caregiver, in order to ensure proper use of drugs and devices.

A) Upon receipt of a prescription (prescription drug order) and following a review of the patient’s record, a Registered Pharmacist shall personally initiate discussion of matters that will enhance or optimize drug therapy with each patient or care given of such patient. Such discussion shall be in person, whenever practicable or by telephone and shall include appropriate elements of patient counseling. Such elements may include the following:

• Name and description of the drugs
• The dosage form, dose, route of administration, and duration of drug therapy
• Intended use of the drug and expected action
• Special directions and precautions for the drug
• Common severe side effects or adverse effects or interactions and therapeutic contraindications that may be encountered, including their avoidance, and the action required if theyoccur ;
• Techniques for self monitoring drug therapy
• Proper storage of the drugs
• Prescription refill information
• Action to be taken in the event of a missed dose
• To ensure rational use of drugs

Note : The pharmacist shall not be required to counsel a patient or caregiver when the patient or caregiver refuses such consultations.

B) The pharmacist shall maintain the records pertaining to drugs administered to the patients (drug card) that may be utilized for the evaluation of the drug therapy

C) The pharmacist is authorized (as a Health care professional) to undertake process and outcome research, health promotion and education and provide health information. Also to undertake the Pharmacoepidemiological studies.

Pharmacies providing patient counseling shall have regard to the following:

• Only Registered pharmacists are involved in counseling.
• Facilities are provided for confidential conversation and patient confidentiality is maintained.
• Patient information leaflets are provided.
• Proper documentation is made.
• Unnecessary counselling should be avoided.
• Counselling for Patient’s Benefit: In every consultation, the benefit to the patient is of foremost importance. All registered pharmacists engaged in the case should be frank with the patient and his attendants.
• Punctuality in counselling: Utmost punctuality should be observed by a registered pharmacist in making themselves available for counselling.