Patients' attitudes towards using a question prompt list in community pharmacies

Objective: To explore patients' usage rate and perceived usefulness and benefits of a question prompt list (QPL) when collecting prescribed medication in community pharmacies.Methods: Data were collected in Swedish pharmacies using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with patients. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used, and the outcomes were usage rate, factors impacting on use, and perceived ease of use, usefulness, and benefits of self-reported question-asking and self-perceived medication knowledge. Descriptive statistics and group comparisons were performed, and qualita-tive data were analyzed thematically with the TAM.Results: Out of 145 patients filling out the questionnaire, 72 (50.0%) reported they had used the QPL. Patients with new prescriptions and non-native Swedish speakers used the QPL more often (p = 0.03; p = 0.009, respectively). The QPL was quick to read (86.3%) and easy to understand (91.4%). Forty percent stated that they asked more questions, and self-reported users scored higher on self-perceived medication knowledge. In the interviews (n = 14), the QPL was described as an eye-opener as to what one could ask the pharmacist.Conclusions: Patients were willing to use a QPL in community pharmacies. Practice implications: A QPL in pharmacies might improve patients' engagement medication knowledge, as well as showcase the expertise of pharmacists.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the usage rate and perceived usefulness and benefits of a question prompt list (QPL) among patients collecting prescribed medication in community pharmacies. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with patients in Swedish pharmacies. The outcomes showed that 50.0% of patients reported they had used the QPL. Patients with new prescriptions and non-native Swedish speakers used the QPL more often. The QPL was found to be quick to read and easy to understand. Patients who reported using the QPL asked more questions and had higher self-perceived medication knowledge. In interviews, the QPL was described as an eye-opener for what questions one could ask the pharmacist.