Communication with other healthcare professionals

Because pharmacists and pharmacy technicians communicate with patients, carers and other healthcare professionals on a regular basis, communication skills are an essential part of any pharmacist s or pharmacy technician s skill set. 

While most of the day-to-day communication will be with patients, there will also be times when pharmacists and pharmacy technicians communicate with prescribers and other healthcare professionals. 

Many people who have experienced anaphylaxis in the community and are therefore at risk for recurrence have never received a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector from an emergency department physician [38, 39] or from their primary care physician. Some of those who have received a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector do not follow through and get it filled [40]. Even if they do get the epinephrine autoinjector dispensed, they may fail to carry it with them at all times [41]. Adherence to instructions to carry epinephrine can be improved with regular input from a healthcare professional [42] however, healthcare professionals need to master the complexities of epinephrine autoinjector use [43] before instructing others. People who have survived a mild anaphylaxis episode that was not treated at all, or was treated only with an antihistamine or an asthma puffer, sometimes fail to inject epinephrine because they erroneously assume that their subsequent reactions will also be mild [44]. 

Email enquiries A website may invite electronic mail communications from healthcare professionals and patients or the general public seeking further information about the company s products or other matters (e.g. feedback with regard to the website). The company may reply to such communications in the same manner as it would reply to enquiries received by post, telephone or other media. In communications with patients or members of the general public, discussion of personal medical matters must be avoided. If personal medical information is revealed, it must be held in confidence. Where appropriate, replies shall recommend that a healthcare professional be consulted for further information. 

Health promotion and illness prevention Physical healthcare on psychiatric wards Physical healthcare in the community Liaising with other health care professionals Medical emergencies References Further reading Health monitoring ... 

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