Begeleiding tweede uitgifte nuttig voor de patiënt

Objective: To describe the objective, contents and outcomes of the so-called second drug delivery strategy in community pharmacies; to find out how pharmacists have implemented this strategy in their pharmacy; to collect pharmacists' and pharmacy technicians' experiences with the implemented strategy. Design and methods: In a selective sample of 33 community pharmacies, face-to-face interviews were held separately with the responsible pharmacist and one of the pharmacy technicians. Results: Most pharmacies had implemented a second drug delivery strategy, with the objective to help patients resolve their drug problems. In these second drug delivery contacts patients were asked about their drug experiences and drug problems/questions. In most pharmacies the strategy was implemented in drug delivery contacts, regarding chronic drug users. The pharmacists had prepared their pharmacy teams to practice the strategy, by offering education. While implementing the strategy, pharmacists met problems concerning time management, technicians' expertise and computer facilities. In those pharmacies where technicians were actively involved in introducing this activity, higher levels of compliance with practicing the second drug delivery strategy at the counter were achieved. Pharmacy technicians reported to receive patients' positive responses on the strategy. Pharmacists reported their personal involvement was needed in only a minority of these second drug delivery contacts. The analysis of the 232 registered patient contacts revealed that in 28 % of these contacts patients brought in a drug problem which mostly concerned side effects (62 %) and inefficacy (27 %). Conclusion: Community pharmacies have great opportunities to contribute to patients' drug safety, by implementing this communication strategy in second drug delivery contacts.