Dr Noor Kamil

INTRODUCTION

• Patient education and medication counseling are an integral

part of the healthcare process.
• The two-way flow of information in these processes is
important to improve the quality of care and patient
outcomes, and to build patient-practitioner relationships.
• A variety of methods of communication and counseling
skills are available.
 MEDICATION COUNSELING
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

• In 1994, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) established

an Ad HOC Panel on Medication Counseling Behavior
Guidelines.
• This inventory of behaviors was designed to be relevant to
a wide variety of counseling situations and can provide a
framework for pharmacists and other health professionals
in providing patient medication education and
counseling.
 MEDICATION COUNSELING
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

• Conducts appropriate counseling by identifying self and the patient or

the patient's agent
• Explains the purpose of the counseling session
• Reviews patient records prior to counseling
• Obtains pertinent initial drug-related information (e.g., allergies. other
medication, age)
• Warns patient about taking other medication, including over-the-
corner drugs, herbals/botanicals, and alcohol, which could inhibit or
interact with the prescribed medication
• Determines whether the patient has any other medical conditions
that could influence the effects of this drug or enhance the likelihood
of an adverse reaction
 MEDICATION COUNSELING
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

• Assesses the patient's understanding of the reason(s) for therapy

• Assesses any actual and/or potential concerns of problems of
importance to the patient
• Discusses the name and indication of the medication
• Explains the dosage regimen, including scheduling and duration of
therapy when appropriate
• Assists the patient in developing a plan to incorporate the medication
regimen into their daily routine
• Explains how long it will take for the drug to show and effect
 MEDICATION COUNSELING
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

• Discusses storage recommendations and ancillary instructions (e.g.,

shake well, refrigerate)
• Tells patient when they are due back for a refill
• Emphasizes the benefits of completing the medication as prescribed
• Discusses potential (significant) side effects
• Discusses how to prevent or manage the side effects of the drug if
they occur
• Discusses precautions (activities to avoid, etc.)
• Discusses significant drug-drug, drug-food, and drug -disease
interactions
 MEDICATION COUNSELING
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

• Explains in precise terms what to do if the patient misses a dose

• Explores with the patient potential problems in taking the medication
as prescribed (e.g.? cost, access)
• Helps patient to generate solutions to potential problems
• Provides accurate information
• Uses language that the patient is likely to understand
• Uses appropriate counseling aids to support counseling
• Responds with understanding/empathic responses
• Presents facts and concepts in a logical order
 MEDICATION COUNSELING
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

• Maintains control and direction of the counseling session

• Probes for additional information
• Uses open-ended questions
• Displays effective nonverbal behaviors
• Verifies patient understanding via feedback
• Summarizes by acknowledging and/or emphasizing key points of
information
• Provides an opportunity for final concerns and Questions
• Helps patient to plan follow-up and next steps