Effective Patient Counseling Strategies

By Dr. Shilpashree BM Assistant professor KLE College of Pharmacy

The challenges/ obstacle to provide the counselling. which leads to ineffective to achive the patient outcome. types of barrier are: Pharmacist related barrier Patient barrier System related barrier obstrucle

Availability The prime necessity for patient counselling is that the pharmacist must be available. The pharmacist should be identifiable and distinct from other staff by wearing a name badge and a distinctive lab coat or uniform. scheduling appointments with patients who require more in depth discussions .

Atmosphere An atmosphere is required where the patient can feel comfortable asking advice discussing his prescription and illness. The pharmacist must make the patient realise that counselling is a part of his job through unhurried manner. In many cases the patient is reluctant to speak with pharmacist due to lack of privacy. In order to avoid this, the dispensary layout should provide a number of counselling areas including a semi- private and private areas for a feeling of personal conversation rather than lecture the pharmacist position must be within 2-4 feet from the patient

Approach The third requirement for effective counselling involves our approach to each individual counselling situation. The suggested protocols for effective patient counselling are 1. An introduction 2. An information gathering phase 3. An information giving phase 4. A closing phase

The pharmacist needs to develop a new communication skill which involves listening to the patient to encourage him to identify his counselling needs and above all the counselling session to be a two way process rather than a one way lecture.

Attitude Good attitude is needed for good counselling. Personal barriers such as passiveness and lack of self confidence in knowledge must be overcome. When gathering information an attentive attitude and posture can elicit the information since it shows interest and concern. It can be accomplished partly by Maintaining eye contact Leaning forward slightly Nodding the head occasionally Generally showing interest

Patient counseling aids Patient counseling aids are tools and resources specifically designed to assist healthcare providers in educating and supporting patients. These aids can improve communication, enhance understanding, and promote better health outcomes.

Visual Aids Counselling Materials Digital Tools Audio Aids

Counseling Aids 1.Visual Aids Anatomical models (e.g., heart, lungs, joints) Charts and diagrams (e.g., blood pressure levels, food pyramids) Infographics explaining medical procedures or conditions Pictograms Dummy inhaler device Spacer 2. Counselling Materials Medication cards Patient information leaflet Product information leaflet Brochures and pamphlets on specific diseases or treatments

Medication cards : 1. medication cards is a written summery of patients medication. 2. it is usefull aid particularly for patient on many medication on a long term basis. 3. Cards may be written by hand or generated by computer.

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET PILL are written information leaflet in simple language about the patients illness and its treatment including medicine and relevent life style changes

Product information leaflet product information leaflet produced by drug manufactures for thier product It is also known as consumer product information or consumer medicine information

pamphlets on specific diseases or treatments

Digital Tools Mobile health apps for medication reminders, symptom tracking, and health monitoring Websites and online portals with educational content and resources Videos demonstrating procedures or explaining medical conditions Audio Aids - Podcasts and audio recordings on health topics - Telephone helplines for patient support and information