$Unique_ID{BRK01229}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{The Pharmacist's Responsibility to Provide Medication Information}
$Subject{pharmacy patient education}
$Volume{Q}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Pharmacist's Responsibility to Provide Medication Information


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QUESTION:  My old pharmacist used to take a lot of time with me to explain
just how a medication should be used, and provided me with all the cautions I
ever wanted.  However, now that I am living in a larger city, my new
pharmacist doesn't seem so concerned, and just stays in the back where I can't
talk with him.  Isn't it one of the responsibilities of the pharmacist to
provide you with this information, that is needed to take the medicine
correctly?

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ANSWER:  I certainly agree with you that precise information about your
prescription medication is absolutely essential, so that you will take the
medicine correctly and obtain the greatest benefit from its actions.
Personally I believe that all members of your personal "health team" including
your physician, the office nurse, physician assistant and the pharmacist share
in that responsibility.  To obtain an authoritative response to your question
about pharmacists I consulted with Dr. John A. Cans, Executive Vice President
of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and here is his reply;.
     "In any profession or occupation, you will find those who hold personal
service to the consumer or patient as highly important, and those who view it
as less so.  Pharmacists are no different.  However all pharmacists have the
knowledge and training needed to provide invaluable medication advice, and the
vast majority are eager to do so.  If the pharmacist in the in the pharmacy
you are patronizing is physically inaccessible or unwilling to discuss your
medication with you, you have two recourses:  first, ask to talk to the
pharmacist, and then ask the questions you need the answers to--you have the
right to the information.  Second, if you don't get the answer you are
entitled to, and the pharmacist seems reluctant to discuss your medication
questions with you, then find another pharmacist who will work with you.  In
larger cities, like the one you are living in, it is easy to find another
conveniently located pharmacy where the pharmacists are eager to fill your
information needs".
     I can not help but wonder how many other readers have had similar
problems with receiving service that meets with their expectations from their
pharmacists.  I would be interested in your letters that might tell of your
worst, and (to be fair) your best experiences with your pharmacists.  I will
be sure to report the results back to all of you.
     Thank you Dr. Gans for supporting my frequently stated position that in
health care as with all else, if you are not receiving the attention that you
desire and have the right to expect, you can show your displeasure by voting
with your feet.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
