For consumers taking a variety of prescription medications as well as over-the-counter remedies and supplements, pharmacist counseling can be critical. Still, it's no secret that patients choose not to take advantage of pharmacists' knowledge and help improve their health in the process.
A recent report by Los Angeles Times cited a study conducted in California by the non-profit Center for Health Improvement in 2004 and 2005 which found half of all pharmacy customers 65 and older "waived counseling either 'sometimes,' 'often' or 'always.'"
Consumers have a wide variety of reasons for choosing not to accept counseling, including a lack of time, but that's not an excuse the pharmacists should accept, Steven Chen, associate professor at the USC School of Pharmacy told the Times.
"Good pharmacists should almost force themselves on patients," Mr. Chen said. "They should definitely never say, 'If you don't want counseling, just sign this line.' But that happens with too many pharmacists."
Pharmacists often feel pressed for time and many do not provide the level of counseling that they are capable of, according to the Center for Health Improvement study.
"There's such a high demand for drugs," Mr. Chen said, "and not always enough staff."
Anne Burns, vice president for professional affairs for the American Pharmacists Association, told the LA Times. "You should choose your pharmacist as carefully as you choose your physician."
Discussion Question: How much can a high-performing pharmacist affect a retail business? Should retailers instruct their pharmacists to be more insistent about counseling?