Patient–Pharmacist Interaction in Ethiopia: Systematic Review of Barriers to Communication

• Main Authors: Yimer YS, Mohammed SA, Hailu AD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2020-07-01
• Series: Patient Preference and Adherence
• Subjects: patient; pharmacist; communication and ethiopia
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/patientndashpharmacist-interaction-in-ethiopia-systematic-review-of-ba-peer-reviewed-article-PPA
• ISSN: 1177-889X

Yohannes Shumet Yimer,1 Solomon Ahmed Mohammed,2 Abel Demerew Hailu3 1Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 3Department of Pharmacy, Dessie Health Science Collage, Dessie, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Solomon Ahmed Mohammed Tel [phone]Email [e-mail]: Despite the fact that pharmaceutical care has been expanding simultaneously with the increasing role of pharmacists and the number of prescriptions dispensed, the extended role of community pharmacists is largely confined to the dispensing of medications. This advancement in pharmacy services demands competent pharmacists and patient-centered communication. The objective of this review was to explore the barriers to patient–pharmacy interaction. Relevant kinds of literature were searched from Google Scholar, PubMed, Hinari, We of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. A total of 3025 kinds of literature were searched. After excluding redundant and irrelevant literature, 13 kinds of literature were reviewed. Lack of adequate knowledge of drugs, lack of updated drug information, work experience, poor job satisfaction, lack of good communication skills, shortage of time, and clearness of pharmacist’s voice and tone were barriers to communication from the side of pharmacy professionals. Factors like not wanting to talk much, bad attitude toward the pharmacy, being in a rush to leave, lack of willingness, language and educational status of the patient were patients’ communication obstacles while high patient load, the suitability of dispensing area, and waiting time for service were associated challenges for patient-centered communication faced by health facilities. Barriers to patient–pharmacist interactions were related to patients, pharmacy professionals, and health institutions. These factors are not independent and the presence of one factor may trigger others and further compromise the patient–pharmacist interaction and result in poor medication outcomes.Keywords: patient, pharmacist, communication and Ethiopia