Published Paper Details:

The objective of the study is to evaluate patient's understanding and experiences of patient-centered counseling practices at various pharmacy outlets from their own perspectives. Method: Across-sectional study was undertaken in Anand and the surrounding area, Gujarat, India, involving the distribution of questionnaires to several hospital and community pharmacy stores further conducting a survey to assess whether patient counseling in both hospital and community pharmacies is being performed adequately or not. This survey aims to evaluate patient's guidance in hospital and community pharmacies. Data was collected from 200 patients in each setting and then it was analyzed by chi-square analysis. Result: The survey revealed that 53% of hospital and 45% of community patients lack awareness of medication precautions. Regarding advice on missing medication doses, hospitals guides approximately 67% of cases, while community pharmacies do so in around 54% of cases. Over-the-counter medication is discussed in 72% of hospital cases and 65% of community cases. Additionally, 44% of hospital and 57% of community patient's report not receiving any extra resources. Discussions about possible side effects are reported by 39% of hospital patients and 33% of community patients. The study found that the null hypothesis was accepted for warning, additional resources, over-the-counter medication, and side effects, indicating no significant effect. However, it was rejected for missed doses, suggesting a significant effect. Key aspects explored includes the frequency and depth of counseling interactions, patients' comfort levels with pharmacists, perceived impact on medication understanding and adherence ,and overall satisfaction with the counseling experience.