Pharmacist counseling on a prescription refill #1

Summary

In this pharmacy skills lab video, a pharmacy intern, Brittany, consults a patient, Derek, about his blood pressure medication and osteoarthritis. The conversation flows logically, with Brittany asking about the patient's health history and current treatments, including his use of ibuprofen for arthritis pain. Brittany provides advice on alternatives and discusses proper blood pressure monitoring techniques. While the interaction is largely clear and organized, there are moments where empathy and clarity could be improved, especially when recommending a medication change. Overall, Brittany's communication is proficient, with a friendly demeanor that fosters patient comfort and engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 The pharmacy intern effectively communicated in a clear, organized, and logical manner, ensuring a smooth flow of conversation.
• 😀 The intern used appropriate language, tone, and non-verbal cues, creating a friendly, confident atmosphere for the patient.
• 😀 The intern demonstrated good self-monitoring skills, catching and correcting her use of medical jargon during the conversation.
• 😀 The patient felt comfortable asking follow-up questions, indicating the intern's strong rapport-building skills.
• 😀 The intern used silence appropriately, allowing the patient to speak freely and ask for clarification when needed.
• 😀 The patient shared that ibuprofen was effective for his arthritis pain, but the intern explained potential risks related to the medication's interaction with blood pressure medication.
• 😀 The intern recommended an alternative topical product, diclofenac, to reduce systemic risks while managing arthritis pain.
• 😀 The intern asked important health-related questions about the patient's medical history, medications, and blood pressure measurements.
• 😀 The intern provided clear instructions on how to properly measure blood pressure, recommending multiple readings for better accuracy.
• 😀 The intern acknowledged the patient's concern about switching medications and provided a clear explanation for the suggested change, addressing his worries about the impact on his blood pressure.
• 😀 Despite a few moments where the intern could have been more empathetic and precise, her overall communication was proficient, leading to a positive outcome for the patient.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the conversation between the student and the patient?

The primary focus is the patient's prescription for ramipril, as well as discussing his use of ibuprofen for osteoarthritis and how it may affect his blood pressure. The student also provides counseling on proper blood pressure monitoring and suggests alternative medications.

Why does the student recommend switching from ibuprofen to a different medication?

The student suggests switching from ibuprofen because it may raise the patient's blood pressure, which could be concerning in the long term, especially in combination with his blood pressure medication (ramipril). The student recommends a topical alternative like diclofenac, which would not interact with the blood pressure medication.

What does the patient report about his blood pressure and the effect of ibuprofen?

The patient reports that his blood pressure is slightly higher than usual, with a reading of 138/85, whereas it used to be around 130/80. He also mentions that the ibuprofen has been working great for his arthritis, which is why he has continued using it.

How does the student address the patient's concern about changing his medication?

The student listens to the patient's concern and explains the potential long-term risks of continuing ibuprofen with the blood pressure medication. The student reassures the patient by providing an alternative (diclofenac) and encourages him to try it out for a couple of weeks.

What method does the student suggest for checking blood pressure more accurately?

The student suggests taking three readings in a row, discarding the first reading, and keeping the last two readings. This approach ensures more accurate results, as blood pressure can vary with each measurement.

What did the patient say about how he tracks his blood pressure?

The patient explains that he checks his blood pressure every morning before eating or drinking anything, following the instructions given by the pharmacy when he bought the machine. He ensures his arm is elevated and at heart level during the measurement.

What is the patient's new medical condition, and how has it affected his medication choices?

The patient has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which led him to purchase ibuprofen for pain relief. However, the student suggests that ibuprofen may not be the safest option due to its interaction with his blood pressure medication.

What alternative to ibuprofen does the student recommend for managing osteoarthritis pain?

The student recommends diclofenac, a topical product, as a safer alternative to ibuprofen. This topical product works locally, avoiding systemic effects that might interfere with the patient's blood pressure medication.

How does the student ensure the patient feels comfortable during the consultation?

The student maintains a friendly, open, and confident demeanor, using eye contact and appropriate non-verbal cues. She also provides the patient with enough time to ask questions and respond, ensuring the patient feels comfortable throughout the consultation.

What could the student have done better in terms of empathy during the consultation?

The student could have been more empathetic at the beginning of the consultation by acknowledging the patient's satisfaction with ibuprofen before suggesting a switch. This would have made the patient feel more heard and understood before addressing the potential risks.