1. Nonprescription Counseling Basics
Pharmacy Practice

2. The Counseling Process
Opening Discussion
Discussion to Gather Information and Identify problems
Discussion to prevent and resolve problems
Providing appropriate information
Closing discussion
Follow-up discussion

3. Opening Discussion Develop a helping relationship
Introductions (RPh and patient)
Explain purpose and time involved

4. The SOAP Note
Subjective
Objective
Assessment
Plan

5. Subjective The information the patient gives you
Gathering Information: Communication techniques
Tell me more about it
Nonverbals, empathy
Open ended questions
Who, what, where, when, why, how
Using “summary” to verify understanding (both RPh & pt.)

6. Subjective: Chief complaint
Symptom evaluation
Location Timing
Quality Associated symptoms
Severity Setting/history
Modifying factors Meaning to patient

7. Subjective: Patient History
Medical history: conditions & allergies
Medication use: Rx and OTC
Social :EtOH, tobacco, caffeine, rec. drugs
Previous treatment, experience

8. Objective Physical data that you can observe or measure
Patient appearance
Vital Signs
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Focus of P2 lab year

9. Assessment Identifying the problem
Differential: What could it be?
Using subjective and objective information
Explain why you reached your conclusion
Includes therapeutic goals and alternatives

10. Assessment: To refer or not?
Age
Nature and severity of symptoms
Duration of symptoms
Other existing conditions and medications
Pregnancy
Your confidence level

11. Plan Name of the medication Purpose Directions Desired effects
Unwanted effects and management
Precautions
Time frame for effectiveness

12. Plan
Nonpharmacological recommendations
Symptoms
Conditions
Follow-up

13. Closing Obtain feedback Verify understanding Written information
Documentation
S.O.A.P. notes

14. Follow-up
Timing
Phone call or visit