Discussing alcohol in medicines use reviews: experiences of patients in a community pharmacy context

Abstract

Objectives Although pharmacist‐led medicines use reviews (MURs) are effective for medicines management, little is understood about patients’ experiences of alcohol‐related advice delivered therein. Sampling a population at high risk for misuse (within an area of socio‐economic deprivation), we explored patient experiences of alcohol‐related MURs. Methods Two focus groups were conducted with patients who had discussed alcohol in an MUR in the preceding 3 months (n = 9). Data were analysed thematically. Key findings and conclusion Patients were open to discussing alcohol in the MUR context. The absence of practitioner‐patient power asymmetry and pharmacists’ sensitivity to cultural contexts were critical to patient engagement.

Patient perspectives on discussing alcohol as part of medicines review in community pharmacies

“…While focus group members were open to discussions about alcohol with their pharmacist, they found official alcohol advice confusing and difficult to implement in everyday work and leisure settings which facilitated consumption. 29 This paper raises important issues about whether and how patients may be open to engaging in a discussion about alcohol with a pharmacist in a medicines review. The patients' understandings of the pharmacist's role, their relationship with the pharmacist, and their previous experiences of alcohol discussions are likely to play a part in how the prospect of discussing alcohol with a pharmacist is regarded.…”