Evaluation of a model for counseling patients with dyspepsia in Swedish community pharmacies

Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2003 Jul 1;60(13):1336-41.

Abstract

The outcomes of a counseling model designed to help pharmacists care for customers seeking nonprescription treatment for dyspepsia in Swedish community pharmacies were studied. A protocol containing 10 key questions based on clinical guidelines about dyspepsia symptoms and on studies of drug-related problems (DRPs) was implemented in six community pharmacies in Sweden. During two weeks in April 2002, all adult customers seeking self-care for dyspepsia were asked to participate in the interview. Depending on a customer's answers, pharmacy personnel gave advice, intervened for DRPs, or referred the customer to a physician. Customers who received advice or intervention were followed up by telephone. A total of 319 customers who met the study criteria agreed to participate. Of these, 183 (57%) received self-care advice, 37 (12%) had DRPs, and 39 (12%) were referred to a physician because of their symptoms. Of the 198 customers fulfilling the criteria for a follow-up interview, 130 (66%) participated. Nearly all of these customers were satisfied with their visit to the pharmacy, and 9 in 10 were pleased with the advice received. Eighty-five percent claimed they had followed the self-care advice, and two in three said they felt better. DRPs were resolved in 19 (86%) of the 22 customers with DRPs who were followed up. Only one customer in five who was advised to see a physician actually did so. A counseling model designed to discover and resolve problems related to symptoms and drug use appeared to have a favorable impact on outcomes in customers with dyspepsia seeking nonprescription drug treatment in Swedish pharmacies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Community Pharmacy Services*
  • Dyspepsia / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Pharmacists / statistics & numerical data*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Self Medication / statistics & numerical data
  • Sweden

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Aspirin