Evaluation of the Durg Consulating Quality in Tabriz Pharmacies and Providing Some Improving Solutions

Abstract

Introduction: Various factors, including business in the field of medicine, cause that more people not to be justified for drug therapy and importance of taking medication. A pharmacist is capable of fulfilling the patient`s requirements by the knowledge of pharmacotherapy. Aim: In this study, the factors which limit the communication between the patient and pharmacist as well as guidelines to overcome these limitations, has been presented. Materials and Method: Accordingly, a study was performed using two types of questionnaires which were separately completed by both 200 patients and 200 pharmacists. The questionnaires were designed based on Likert scale.The reliability coefficient of questionnaires was calculated using Cronbach's alpha (0.684 and 0.731 for patient’s questionnaires and pharmacist’s one, respectively). Results: The results showed that the lack of awareness about the pharmacist responsibilities (according to the %88.7 of pharmacists and %79.5 of patients) is an important factor in the patient's lack of interest in scientific communication and consultation with the pharmacist. The other factor that can be mentioned is, if the pharmacy is crowded, the drug consultaion will be limited (according to the %65.6 of patients and %77.4 of pharmacists). Other parameters which limit the drug consultation have been investigated at the findings of study. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it is necessary that patients be appropriately aware of the capabilities and responsibilities of pharmacists. In addition, patient awareness in this regard should be continually increased through proper training. In this situation, one can hope the improvement of relation between patient and pharmacist.