Test yourself: communication and person-centred practice for prescribing

An opportunity to test your knowledge on core prescribing skills and approaches.
Collage of four illustrated images of different situations in prescribing as a pharmacist

Maintaining a person-centred approach is a core component of professional prescribing practice requiring skilled communication and the ability to identify the best approach for each individual patient.

This quiz has been designed to consolidate learning from the following articles; it is recommended that you read these before answering the questions:

Work your way through the quiz by expanding the questions in the boxes below. When you have answered all the questions, select ‘Finish quiz’ at the bottom of the page to see your score.

Person-centred practice

The best outcomes rely on the prescriber being able to identify individual needs, preferences and values and using this knowledge to inform the consultation and subsequent treatment plan. Expand questions 1–3 to test your knowledge.

Questions 1–3 are based on the article ‘Principles of person-centred practice for prescribing’. Please refer to the original article if you would like to know more.

Factors influencing communication

Being able to identify factors and influences affecting prescribing consultations can help prescribers to optimise their communication approach for each patient. Expand questions 4–6 to test your knowledge.

Questions 4–6 are based on the article ‘Factors influencing effective communication when prescribing’. Please refer to the original article if you would like to know more.

Communication techniques

Effective communication is central to the prescribing process and is a skill that can be continuously improved. Expand questions 7–9 to test your knowledge.

Questions 7–9 are based on the article ‘Communication techniques for prescribing’. Please refer to the original article if you would like to know more.

Case-based learning — patient concerns

Read the following patient case notes and expand questions 10–12 to test your knowledge.

Case notes

An illustration of a smiling older woman looking into the cameraPatient profile

Mrs Smith, aged 65 years, is visiting a pharmacist prescriber in their hypertension clinic at a GP practice. She had been asked to monitor and record her blood pressure over the previous two weeks. Mrs Smith currently does not take any medication. She enjoys going out with her friends and family, spending time with her young grandchild and playing tennis every week.

Background

The results Mrs Smith has brought in today indicate that she has consistently raised blood pressure and could benefit from the prescription of a new antihypertensive medication. When discussing the blood pressure results, the pharmacist informed the patient about the risks of leaving high blood pressure untreated and explained the medical options available that can help manage the risk of stroke and heart attack. Mrs Smith agrees to start on a new antihypertensive medication but is concerned about the potential side effects and the impact on her daily life, as she values her independence and enjoys an active lifestyle.

Case-based learning — communication challenges

Read the following patient case notes and expand questions 13–15 to test your knowledge.

Case notes

An illustration of an older man looking into the cameraPatient profile

John, a patient aged 70 years, was admitted to hospital with heart failure and pneumonia. As part of his treatment plan, he required complex medication management, including adjustments to his existing medication regimen.

Communication challenge

John has limited health literacy and was taking multiple medications for various chronic conditions. He had a history of non-adherence to medication regimens owing to confusion about when and how to take his pills.

The hospital pharmacist, is responsible for communicating the changes to John’s medication and ensuring his understanding and adherence.

Last updated
Citation
The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, November 2023, Vol 311, No 7979;311(7979)::DOI:10.1211/PJ.2023.1.201942

2 comments

  • Wendy Ackroyd

    not sure I agree with all of the "correct" answers

    the one about the "first thing you should do" - the scenario suggests the pharmacist is already mid conversation with the patient so I would have expected they'd already have introduced themselves properly, so makes no sense that this is the first thing to do at that point
    and the last question doesn't say "tick all that apply" like other multi answer questions do.

    • Alex Clabburn

      Many thanks for your comment. I am senior editor for research and learning at the Pharmaceutical Journal. We will discuss this feedback with the original article authors and whether the wording for this question can be improved.

 

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