Reminder to self

A lot of hypertensive patients walik into a community pharmacy not to be treated for their hypertension but to get treatment for other ailments. A pharmacist must have good knowledge on the patient's current situation, the disease and the appropriate drug therapy for the ailment the OTC is meant for.
- there is a need for us to have a thorough knowledge on OTCs
- there is a need for us to understand the seriousness of the chronic ailment

Do not just stay there and yak away at the patient. Take note of non-verbal cues nd get the patient more involved and get them interested in the pharmacotherapy.

The more difficult cases usually involve a third party helping the patient get the meds when the patient is MIA...
- try to get the third party to repeat whatever advice given so that they can relay it better
- where possible, use PILs
- try to convince the third party about the methods of administration and therapy so they can convey it better

Show empathy
- allow the patient to connect with you
- make the patient more involved in the drug therapy
- show/demonstrate techniques of use before being asked (take initiative)

Be specific
- some patients do not know how to decide
- in terms of frequency of use, make sure one specify the time and frequency, do not use words like "often", "regularly". Try to give something more specific, e.g. TDS, every 2 hrs etc. If not some patients will be CONSTANTLY using the drug.

Try to convince the patient and be true to your principles of "Doing no harm, then do something good"
- If patient insists that they wanted a drug even though you have already told them the implications, just give it to them with a warning, or if it is really serious, REFUSE TO DISPENSE. Depending on individual opinion, I think it would be better to lose a customer (in retail) than to lose a life.