Role of pharmacist in providing drug information and education for patients with chronic diseases during transition of care

Abstract

Introduction: Community pharmacist can play an active role in improving care for recently discharged patient through provision of information and education and more importantly prevent readmission to hospital. Aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of pharmacist providing drug information and education for discharged patient with chronic disease. Methods: A survey was conducted between July to October 2019 involving 153 patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Patients were purposively recruited from 11 pharmacies in East Java. A questionnaire was used to record patient’s opinion regarding provision of drug information and education by pharmacist. The results were descriptively analysed. Results: Overall, patients mentioned that pharmacists mainly provided information about how to use the drugs (83%). The education provided by the pharmacist has improved patients’ understanding about their disease state (70%) and influenced the compliance when using the medicine (68%). Patients acknowledged pharmacist’s effort to ensure the positive outcome of the therapy. However, no data has been recorded whether such service may prevent patients from being readmitted to hospital. Conclusion: Pharmacist is at unique position in the transitions of care. Pharmacist can provide information and education that may contribute to improve patient’s understanding and compliance.