Per the article:
Additional findings show that less than 20 percent (18%) of U.S. adults trust a pharmacist most to help guide and inform healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. A majority of people trust their doctor most (72%), followed by friends and family (36%), spouses or significant others (36%) and the Internet (22%).
According this article we are the fifth most likely source that people will seek out to help about healthcare decisions. We came in BEHIND THE INTERNET !
Does this suggest that we are either not talking to people period… or that when you give away free advice… it is viewed as worth less – or worthless ?
Filed under: General Problems
The concept of the pharmacist as being an adviser to patients for otc products is an outdated idea….in my opinion. First, I am too busy. Second, I should not be interrupted. Third, I don’t have the time to ask all the appropriate questions to give the patient the best advice. I don’t know all the medications they are taking and I don’t know their medical history. For these reasons, I try to avoid counselling customers on otc products. If I were managing a chain, I would discourage this practice, simply because it looks like a possible lawsuit. Here we are giving out free advice and it is risky and there is no reward for us. The chains can advertise free pharmacist advice to get folks in the store. But, they too stand that risk of being sued by a customer if a pharmacist gives his advice and he does not know the patient has a underling health condition that would cause the otc product to damage the patients health. I know there has been this long running idea of the nice little pharmacist behind the counter that will come out and help you find the right product for your sniffles. I think this is an outdated idea in the world today. Another thing that bothers me, is that for so many years we pharmacists have been giving away our advice. All other professions charge for their advice. Is it not time we did the same? If our advice is so good, then pay us!