Providing pharmaceutical consultation to visitors of pharmacy organizations in routine pharmaceutical practice

Objective: assessment of the information component in the process of consulting visitors to pharmacy organizations during provision of pharmaceutical assistance.

Material and methods. A prospective study involving a simulated secret patient in 100 pharmacy organizations in the city of Khabarovsk was performed. There were no strict criteria for including pharmacies in the study due to the obligation to provide this information service in all organizations, regardless of turnover, form of ownership, availability of a separate service area and other indicators. As criteria for the process information component, a modified (simplified) algorithm from the passport of the “Pharmaceutical consultation” station was used, which is applied for accreditation of specialists. Statistical data processing was carried out using Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results. A high rate of incomplete collection of information about a visitor and his/her current condition was revealed. Pharmacy workers rarely clarify the presence of concomitant complaints, diagnoses, special health conditions, the use of other drugs. For drug care, with the condition indicated by the patient, only 62% of specialists were able to recommend three drugs. Even if the visitor needed information, less than 60% of pharmacy workers were able to explain the possible adverse effects and the course of application. Less than a third of specialists paid the patient's attention to the need of visit to a doctor if the condition worsened or symptoms persisted.

Conclusion. The obtained results allow to confirm the rationality of regular updating the standard operating procedure “Pharmaceutical consultation” in pharmacy organizations and advanced personnel training. 

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