An Ethnographic Study Of Pharmacist - Patient Interactions In Community Pharmacies In Nigeria

Abstract

Professional interactions between the pharmacist and patient (customer) during the dispensing at prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs were video recorded in 25 purposely selected community pharmacies in south westem Nigeria. ln each pharmacy, a two hour period was recorded both in the morning and the evening during the peak period at customer patronage. lnformed consent was sought from the pharmacies and access was granted. In total, 180 interactions were recorded on video and both pharmacists and patients filled questionnaires alter the encounter. Result showed that thepharmacist tools the initiative in the consultation by asking question and the most Frequentlyused type at question was open question while the commonest verbal initiative was to inform the customer about the dosage.

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