Discussing alcohol in medicines use reviews: experiences of patients in a community pharmacy context

Int J Pharm Pract. 2019 Jun;27(3):318-321. doi: 10.1111/ijpp.12492. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Abstract

Objectives: Although pharmacist-led medicines use reviews (MURs) are effective for medicines management, little is understood about patients' experiences of alcohol-related advice delivered therein. Sampling a population at high risk for misuse (within an area of socio-economic deprivation), we explored patient experiences of alcohol-related MURs.

Methods: Two focus groups were conducted with patients who had discussed alcohol in an MUR in the preceding 3 months (n = 9). Data were analysed thematically.

Key findings and conclusion: Patients were open to discussing alcohol in the MUR context. The absence of practitioner-patient power asymmetry and pharmacists' sensitivity to cultural contexts were critical to patient engagement.

Keywords: alcohol use; community pharmacy; healthy lifestyle; medicine use review.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control*
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Communication
  • Community Pharmacy Services / organization & administration
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Pharmacists / psychology*
  • Professional Role*
  • Professional-Patient Relations*
  • Qualitative Research