2. Starting the consultation

A good starting point is to explain the role of the pharmacist to the patient. This not only helps them understand why they are having the consultation – possibly at more length than usual – but also gives them an insight into how and why the pharmacy is a place they can come to for ongoing support, without the need for an appointment.

A patient presenting a prescription for an OP medicine may have been diagnosed with the condition recently or even some time ago. It is sensible to explore their understanding of their condition and medication by asking something along the lines of: “Tell me what has led to you coming here today with this prescription”. 

Their knowledge may be extensive or extremely limited or not even accurate. A patient who has a good understanding of their condition is much more likely to comply with measures to try and manage it, so helping someone get to grips with what OP means for them – without making assumptions or passing judgement – is vital. 

This approach also provides a useful context for the consultation – e.g. has the medicine been prescribed preemptively due to risk factors or in response to a fall and resulting fracture? – and ensures information already known is not repeated.