Status of Provision of Drug Information to Hypertensive Patients at Community-based Pharmacies

Abstract

Objective The present study examined the status of the provision of drug information to hypertensive patients at community‐based pharmacies by evaluating patients' satisfaction, understanding, and wishes. Design A cross‐sectional study was conducted by surveying patients using a self‐administered questionnaire. Methods Three items were evaluated: 1) the level of patient satisfaction with provision of drug information; 2) the level of patient understanding of information provided on antihypertensive drugs; and, 3) patient wishes regarding provision of drug information. Results The level of satisfaction with provision of drug information was high (86.6%). Although patients were found to understand the precautions for use of antihypertensive drugs, their understanding of drug efficacy was insufficient. Also, patients wished to receive more explanation from pharmacists regarding the efficacy of drugs in addition to explanations of associated adverse reactions or precautions for use of the drugs. Conclusions Hypertensive patients were highly satisfied with the provision of drug information at community‐based pharmacies, but did not show sufficient understanding of the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs, an issue to be addressed in the future by pharmacists in their instructions to patients on the use of drugs.

The association between physician's affiliation and patients’ adherence to their antihypertensive medication and pharmaceutical knowledge

“…Community pharmacists are important resources for drug information and are expected to play more important roles in the management of chronic conditions, such as hypertension, in the future. Patients previously reported a high degree of satisfaction with the provision of drug information by their community pharmacist, so more collaboration between community pharmacists and physicians with a team approach will be necessary to achieve better patient knowledge and better adherence …”