The practice of prescribing: discovering differences in what we tell patients about prescription medications.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study explored patient recall of clinician presentation of information about prescription medication, looking specifically for communication patterns and differences by patient individual characteristics and by medication availability type. METHODS: A cross sectional survey collected information about 216 patients' perceptions of clinician presentations of medication information. RESULTS: Demographically, males recalled receiving more information about reasons, risks, and regimen in medication discussions. By medication type, patients reported receiving more medication information when the clinician presented a prescription-only medication as opposed to a medication that was also available over the counter. CONCLUSION: Given the broad and unmonitored use of over-the-counter products, coupled with the increasing awareness of risks associated with many of these medications, it is concerning that patients report receiving less information about these products. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The emphasis on appropriate medication counseling should not be limited to medications available only by prescription. Prescribers should be mindful of these potential tendencies when discussing medications.