Minor Ailments & Self Care Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are some common health conditions in Canada?
Diabetes
Heart attacks
Arthritis
Depression
Bladder infections
Asthma
Are minor ailments responsible for a large proportion of primary care interactions?
Yes, respiratory tract infections, back pain, dermatitis, cough are in the top 10 most common ailments seen by physicians
What is the illness pyramid?
The broad base at the bottom represents conditions that can be handled by anyone
Further up is utilization of pharmacy care
Even further up is utilization of physician care
At the highest level, we have surgery and other specialized medical services
Why are minor ailments important?
Although minor ailments are not life-threatening, service needs to be provided relatively quickly, otherwise patients leave
What is Self-care?
This is how individuals take care of themselves and prevent escalation/incidence of minor ailments
ex. brushing teeth, good diet, exercise
Why is self-medication not like general self-care?
Self-medication refers to individuals taking drugs without professional advice
ex. grabbing tylenol for pain
How do people deal with symptoms?
Do nothing (tough it out, a very common event)
OTC product
Non-med measure
See their MD
What factors determine what people do with their symptoms?
Symptom severity
Familiarity/knowledge
Cost/convienence
Health status of patient
age of patient
Impressions of OTCs
How many Canadians check the ingredients list on over-the-counter products?
Only 1/3 of general population, only 20% of young adults
What is the maximum daily dose for acetaminophen?
4g/day, we start to worry about adverse effects after 8g
Does the public know OTCs may have side effects?
60% are unaware of the side effects of their OTC product
What are line extensions?
A brand name will use their name to extend into treating other illnesses by having mixes of original and added drugs
Pharmacists need to help patients find what products are best fit to their symptoms
What are the benefits of self-medication?
It is faster and community pharmacies are highly accessible
cheaper for government, no need for professional help
Reduce load on healthcare system and triage
What are the risks of self-medication?
Can delay MD care (patients underestimate severity and patient does not know what adverse effects/improvement looks like)
Risks of self-medication are greater than general self-care
Describe OTC regulation on sales in Canada?
Schedule I: prescription
Schedule II: Behind-the-counter
Schedule III: over-the-counter in pharmacies
Schedule IV: can be sold anywhere
Why are lock and leaves utilized in pharmacies?
They gatekeep drugs that have been deemed to require professional advice before dispense
Where do people get information about drugs?
Physicians (especialy for prescriptions)
Pharmacists (OTC products)
Family/friends
Product package/insert
Media
Advertising
Internet/WebMD
What is the public’s perception of OTC products?
Patients may think OTCs are completely safe because they are for sale almost everywhere
The de-medicinization of OTCs is a concern for pharmacists
What is the pharmacist’s role when it comes to OTC?
Assess symptoms/make recommendations
Provide information on proper drug use
Respond to specific questions
Monitor drug use
How does the public view pharmacists as OTC advisors?
Patient satisfaction seems high
Percieved as friendly/helpful
Tend to be well respected
Most people accept your advice
What are some shortcomings in pharmacist’s role in OTC advising?
1) Not enough questions asked
2) pharmacists pay less attention to OTCs (perception of higher importance of behind the counter medication)
3) some evidence of low accessibility (tend to work in the back)
