E-DRUG: Dispensing Doctors (cont)
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If you erect a good argument for the importance of pharmacists between
the prescriber and the patient, how will you defend OTC prescribing?
OTC 'prescibing' is basically only meant for minor self-limiting
diseases and I usually find the terminology confusing.
OTC-counselling might be more appropriate, because not every
consultation will and should end in a dispensing act. The skills for
assessing the severity of presented symptoms are being taught in
most schools of pharmacy and also, in most countries, there are
guidelines for pharmacists indicating when to refer if a patient
presents with a minor, self limiting disease or ailment.
However, the role of pharmasists in the diagnosing process may
differ according to the evailablility of both medical and
pharmaceutical professionals in a country or region. Therefore it is
to be expected that those roles shift, depending on the amount of
'medical coverage' and the role of pharmacists can be more
outspoken in outback areas where little medical help is available,
but more pharmacies. Reversely one can see dispensing activities
by doctors, when no pharmacy/pharmacist is present.
Foppe
Foppe van Mil, Pharm D. Community pharmacist and researcher
Margrietlaan 1, NL 9471 CT Zuidlaren, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 50 4094333. Fax +31 50 4090732. Email: jwfvmil@wxs.nl
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