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Talking to patients about antibiotics as their medicines are dispensed improves their knowledge more than just distributing a leaflet on the topic, a study published in the International Journal of Pharmacy Practice found[1]
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The study randomised 34 patients presenting an antibiotic prescription at three community pharmacies in New South Wales, Australia to receive a patient leaflet with or without verbal advice. After a month, those who had received verbal information had significantly increased antibiotic knowledge compared with the control group.
The authors say that their work provides evidence supporting the critical role of pharmacy staff in patient education.
References
[1] Northey, A. et al. Patients’ antibiotic knowledge: a trial assessing the impact of verbal education. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2014; doi: 10.1111/ijpp.12136
