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Assertiveness, defined as the ability to express oneself openly while also respecting the viewpoints of others, is increasingly recognized as a skill that can be developed through training. This concept is particularly pertinent in the context of healthcare, where effective communication can significantly enhance patient safety. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Tsukuba highlights a correlation between the assertiveness of pharmacy professionals and their effectiveness in ensuring appropriate prescribing practices for safer medication management.
Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications, poses substantial risks, especially among older adults who often manage several chronic conditions. This situation can lead to adverse drug reactions and harmful interactions. The pressing challenge is to tackle polypharmacy by refining prescription practices, which may involve minimizing the number of medications a patient takes and considering alternative therapies.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient care by dispending medications and collaborating with physicians. They can recommend modifications to prescriptions intended to enhance patient safety by assessing patient interviews, reviewing medical histories, and interpreting lab results. However, the interaction between pharmacists and physicians is not always seamless, which can hinder the optimization of treatment plans.
In this investigation, the research team surveyed pharmacists from various Japanese pharmacies to evaluate the impact of assertiveness on their interactions with healthcare providers. The study specifically looked into whether pharmacists’ assertiveness, characterized by frank yet respectful communication, led to successful medication reductions based on their professional recommendations over the past year. Assertiveness was analyzed through three dimensions: (1) nonassertive self-expression, where personal views are muted; (2) aggressive self-expression, which can dominate conversations; and (3) assertive self-expression, aimed at fostering collaborative understanding. Findings revealed that pharmacists exhibiting higher levels of assertive self-expression were more likely to see their suggestions result in decreased medication prescriptions, while nonassertive and aggressive approaches did not yield similar outcomes.
These results underscore the significant link between pharmacists’ assertiveness and the willingness of physicians to adjust medication regimens. With assertiveness identified as a teachable competency, further research is needed to examine how enhancing this skill among pharmacists could lead to improved safety in drug treatments for patients.
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