DIRECT OBSERVATION OF COUNSELING ACTIVITIES OF OTC DRUGS IN COMMUNITY PHARMACIES AT HUE CITY&NBSP

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to characterize counseling activities of drug use at community pharmacies at Hue City. Methods: researchers observed directly customers buying OTC drugs during 63 hours in 21 pharmacies. Results: Of 269 interactions between pharmacy staff and customers, 61.0% of cases received counseling. Pharmacists asked question about whom the drugs were bought for (52.4%), disease symptoms (63.4%). Pharmacists counseled on drug indications (51.2%), dosage and duration of drug use (61.0%). In about one-fifth of cases, pharmacists asked questions to confirm patients’ comprehension. About 37.2% cases were counseled by pharmacists with a-2-year degree and 42.1% were advised by college pharmacists with a-3-year degree. Only 0.6% lasted more than 5 minutes. Conclusions: Drug counseling activities in community pharmacies were still limited in term of quantity and quality of interactions between pharmacists and patients. Key words: pharmacists; community pharmacy; counseling; OTC drugs; Hue city