Philippine E-Journals

Synergistic Appeal of Health Literacy and Medication Therapy Management Leading Towards Effective Clinical Pharmacy Practices and Patient Outcome: A Phenomenology

Sonia S. Morales

 

Abstract:

This qualitative study utilized the phenomenological approach which substantiated the lived experiences of physicians, patients, clinical pharmacists in the academe and active practice, whether in a community pharmacy, clinic, and most especially in hospital settings. This study focused on the role of the clinical pharmacist in the synergistic appeal that exists between health literacy of elderly patients and medication therapy management which when reconciled together, brings about a favorable patient health outcome. The study utilized focus group discussion and indepth interviews with physicians, patients, and clinical pharmacists in both academe and active practice. The research explored the resultant relevance of the pharmacy curriculum in alliance with the physician, clinical pharmacist and patient towards contributing to the latter’s health outcome. Concerns that the healthcare professionals and patients may have in common were addressed with some trepidation to carefully assess why, for one reason or another some doctors hesitate or civilly ignore the advices of pharmacists when addressing medication regimens of patients. Responses generated the following themes: hesitancy, denial, ignorance of specializations of doctors, inadequate communication skills, financial handicap, and disregard among others.