Pharmacists call for reviews to help patients understand medication

The Irish Pharmacy Union is calling for the introduction of a consultation based "medicine use review" to assist patients to manage and get the greatest benefit from the medication regime.

The call comes to mark 'World Pharmacy Day' today.

The union carried out a study which shows that in nearly 40% of cases, pharmacists were required to provide information on the use of particular medicines following issues raised by patients.

It also showed that 90% of patients also underwent a follow-up review.

Bernard Duggan, the Chairperson of the IPU-Community Pharmacy Committee, said there will be a number of benefits.

Mr Duggan said: "In 40% of cases pharmacists were required to provide information to patients on medicines in response to issues raised by the patients, and there were at least two follow-up actions on average required after each medicine review consultation with patients.

"All pharmacists reported that patients showed an improved understanding of their medication after undertaking a medicine review with their pharmacists."