Construct identification and measure development for investigating pharmacist-patient relationships.

Abstract

To investigate older adults' perceptions of pharmacist-patient relationships, we identified meaningful constructs, developed measures to use in this domain, and explored associations between pairs of constructs. Data were collected via mailed survey to a systematic random sample of 500 non-institutionalized adults in the United States, aged 65 years and older, taking at least one prescription medication. The usable response rate was 66.5% (330/496). Older adults' perceptions that the pharmacist is participating in the relationship and the relationship is patient-centered had the strongest association with perceived pharmacist-patient relationship quality. Older adults' perceptions of relationship quality had a stronger association with medication-related outcome expectations and self-efficacy for medication management, as compared to older adults' perceptions of pharmacist participative behavior/patient-centeredness, patient participative behavior and pharmacist-patient interpersonal communication. Older adults' perceptions of medication-related knowledge were moderately associated with self-efficacy for medication management perceptions. These findings have important pharmacy practice implications.