Korean J Clin Pharm.  2024 Jun;34(2):126-133. 10.24304/kjcp.2024.34.2.126.

Enhancing Communication on Medication Side Effects: Insights from a Survey Study

• Choi JH
• Han HS
• Shim MK
• Sohn HS

• KMID: 2564367
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24304/kjcp.2024.34.2.126

Abstract

Background
Medication’s benefits and harms require careful management. Laws mandate pharmacists to provide essential med- ication details since inadequate counseling may pose risks. This study explores public expectations for pharmacist-provided side effect information to enhance safety.
Methods
A self-developed questionnaire was created for participant to self-report, refined through pilot surveys with experts and laypersons. Nineteen items were categorized into four sections, using closed-ended ques-tions. Adults over 20, having obtained prescription medications within the past year, were surveyed via convenience sampling. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and T-tests using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 and Microsoft Excel.
Results
The study involved 189 participants, with a slightly higher proportion of females (59.3%) than males (40.7%), predominantly in their 20s (45.0%) and college graduates (57.1%). Health professionals represented 76.2% of respondents. Over half visited pharmacies at least 5 times yearly for prescriptions. Indirect experience with side effects was more common (30.2%) than direct experience (17.5%). Most (82.0%) showed interest in media-reported side effect events. Satisfaction with pharmacist-provided side effect explanations was low (59.7%), but importance was high (98.9%). Preferences favored combined verbal and written explanations (65.1%), with a majority desiring explanations for common but less serious side effects (82.5%). Healthcare professionals found explanations significantly more sufficient than non-professionals did. Older individuals, those living with elderly, and frequent pharmacy visitors attributed greater importance to pharmacist-provided explanations.
Conclusion
Koreans view pharmacist-pro-vided medication side effect explanations as vital but find current services lacking. Enhancements in content and delivery meth-ods are needed in pharmacy counseling to meet public expectations.

Keyword

Community pharmacy; medication counseling; prescription drug; side effects