Educate

Once you have answered the patient’s initial questions, you have the opportunity to offer further information in a way that is relevant to their needs. You may also be able to weave in education about both the patient’s clinical condition and their medication.

You can support the Explore questions with information using the "ask, share, ask" method:

• "What do you already know about this medicine?"
• "Would it be helpful if I shared some information I have about your medicine?"
• "What do you think about that?"
• "What other questions do you have?"

This allows you to share key safety information about using/taking the medicine, including dose, frequency, storage and further supplies as appropriate. It is helpful to acknowledge what the patient has said to you before you give any information. For example:

• "You’ve told me that you already know about using/taking this medicine. But I’d like to share some additional information about using/taking this medicine effectively/safely – is that ok?"

Once you’ve provided the information that the patient wants, you can move onto the next stage.