Characterisation of patient encounters in community pharmacies (with special focus on self-medication). (1st August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Bolle, Leen; Mehuys, Els; Christiaens, Thierry; Van Tongelen, Inge; Remon, Jean-Paul; Boussery, Koen
• Is Part Of: International journal of pharmacy practice. Volume 23:Number 3(2015)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2014-08-01
• Subjects: community pharmacy -- non-prescription medicines -- pharmacovigilance -- prescribed medicines -- primary care; Pharmacy -- Practice -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-7671

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To characterise patient encounters during routine drug dispensing in community pharmacies. Methods: Cross-sectional survey in community pharmacies (Belgium). Key findings: Fifty-four per cent of all encounters ( N = 1650) concerned patients carrying a prescription, of which 39% were prescriptions for new medication and 61% were repeat prescriptions. In 62% of all encounters, patients asked for non-prescribed medication. Almost one-third of self-medication requests related to special patient populations (mainly children and elderly). Conclusions: Many encounters related to self-medication, and a substantial number of these self-medication requests concerned vulnerable patient populations.