Patient Counselling: Empowering Patients Through Knowledge
Author: Sadhana B Mahajan
Assistant Professor, KBH IOP
CONTENTS
1. What is Patient Counselling?
3. When & Where is Counselling Done?
5. Tips for Effective Counselling
7. Why D.Pharm Students Must Learn Counselling
9. Thank You Slide
2. Objectives of Patient Counselling
4. Key Components of Patient Counselling
6. Legal & Ethical Considerations
8. Final Words from Your Teacher
01
What is Patient Counselling?
What is Patient Counselling?
1
Definition
• Process of providing information to help patients use medications correctly.
• Ensures patients understand:
• Purpose of the medicine
• How, when, and how often to take it
• Side effects and storage
• Importance of adherence
2
Speaker Notes
• "Patient counselling is the bridge between prescribing and safe medication use. It’s not just about dispensing pills—it’s about ensuring patients understand their treatment."
02
Objectives of Patient Counselling
Why Counselling Matters
Improve therapeutic outcomes
Promote adherence (compliance)
Minimize medication errors
Avoid drug interactions/side effects
Increase patient confidence
Build trust between patient and pharmacist
03
When & Where is Counselling Done?
Timing and Settings
1
When
• At dispensing
• Follow-up visits
• After detecting non-compliance/side effects
2
Where
• Community pharmacies
• Hospital OPDs
• Telephonic consultations
04
Key Components of Patient Counselling
The Counselling Process
1
Introduction & Rapport Building
• Greet politely; ask for name/medical background.
Assess Understanding
2
• Ask about past medication use; check illness knowledge.
6
Provide Information
• Name, dosage, frequency, side effects, missed dose.
Confirm Understanding
3
• Ask patient to repeat key points.
Use Simple Language
• Avoid jargon; use visuals/written instructions.
4
Encourage Questions
• Be respectful and non-judgmental.
5
05
Tips for Effective Counselling
Making Counselling Work
1
Maintain privacy and confidentiality
3
Remain empathetic and polite
5
Document the session if required
2
4
Use patient-centered communication
Provide printed leaflets when possible
06
Legal & Ethical Considerations
Staying Within Bounds
Do not disclose patient information without consent
Ensure advice is within your scope of practice
Avoid false claims or guarantees
07
Why D.Pharm Students Must Learn Counselling
Why It Matters for You
1
Part of PCI syllabus (Community/Clinical/Hospital Pharmacy)
2
Prepares you to:
• Communicate better with patients
• Improve adherence
• Prevent adverse drug events
• Become a trusted healthcare team member
08
Final Words from Your Teacher
Remember, every medicine
tells a story, but only a good
counsellor can help the patient
understand it.
Patient counselling is not just a skill
It is a service, a duty, and a healing gesture.
As future pharmacists, your words can be as powerful as
the medicines you dispense.
Learn to speak with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
“Counselling is care. Give it generously.”
Author: Sadhana B Mahajan
Assistant Professor, KBH IOP