From the February 2006 issue

Most Americans are likely to be on a first name basis with their hairdresser, barber, maybe even their mechanic or dry cleaner. However, many do not know the first name of their pharmacist. A recent consumer survey commissioned by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) found that only 35% of consumers know their pharmacist’s name.¹ While this may not seem significant, the study revealed that knowing their pharmacist’s name was associated with better medication-use habits. Such consumers were more likely to:

• Tell their pharmacist the other medicines they take,
• Read product labels all the time,
• Know the main ingredients of the prescription medicines they are taking, and
• Use their pharmacist as a source of information on both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

As one of the most accessible members of the healthcare team, pharmacists are in a unique position to recognize and reduce adverse effects of medications, which ultimately improves patient outcomes. So take the time to introduce yourself to your patients, it may do more than you think. This is one simple medication safety step we can all afford to take!

Reference: 1. American Pharmacists Association. New National Consumer
Survey Highlights Need for More Communication with Pharmacists [Press Release].
September 19, 2005. Washington, DC: APhA.