Emerging Trends in Practice of Patient CounsellingIndian Scenario

Abstract

The profession of pharmacy and concept of pharmaceutical care are developing rapidly all over the world. Along with this, the responsibility of the pharmacist through utilisation of his technical and professional knowledge in promoting rational and prudent use of medicine is also increasing. It is well documented that safe and effective drug therapy occurs when patients are well informed about medications and their use. Patient counselling is an effective tool in educating patients about their medicines and promoting their scientific and proper use. The concept of patient counselling in its modern form originated in India in the mid 1990s. Since then, considerable growth and development occurred in the country in the area. Various factors contributed positively for setting the new trend in pharmacy practice. While matching with the international concepts, the Indian patient counselling practice has established its own characteristic features. From the hospital set ups, the concept has percolated deep into the community set ups in the very recent times. With the introduction of programs like Pharm D, there will be further growth and development in the area of patient counselling during the next decade.

Keywords: Patient Counselling; Pharmaceutical care; Patient compliance; Emerging trends in Pharmacy Practice