Pharmacists' Assertiveness Crucial in Reducing Unnecessary Prescriptions

Recent research highlights the significant role that assertive communication among pharmacists can play in reducing unnecessary medication prescriptions. Conducted by the University of Tsukuba, the study emphasizes that assertiveness--a communication style characterized by honest self-expression while respecting others--can enhance patient safety by optimizing drug treatment.

Polypharmacy, or the concurrent use of multiple medications, poses considerable risks, including adverse side effects and dangerous drug interactions. This concern is particularly prevalent among older adults, who often manage several medical conditions and may be prescribed excessive medications. Addressing polypharmacy by refining prescriptions--such as minimizing the number of drugs taken or opting for alternative treatments--has become a pressing issue in healthcare.

Pharmacists play a critical role in the medication dispensing process, where they interpret prescriptions and may advocate for adjustments based on patient assessments, medical history, and laboratory results. However, the communication link between pharmacists and physicians can sometimes be strained, hindering the effective optimization of medication regimens.

The study, published in the journal Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, involved a survey of pharmacists working in Japan. It explored the relationship between assertive communication styles and the frequency with which pharmacists successfully influenced physicians to reduce prescribed medications within the past year.

Assertiveness was analyzed through three distinct components: (1) nonassertive self-expression, which involves withholding personal opinions; (2) aggressive self-expression, characterized by imposing one's views; and (3) assertive self-expression, which aims for mutual understanding. Findings revealed that pharmacists who demonstrated higher levels of assertive self-expression were more likely to see reductions in the number of medications prescribed based on their recommendations. Conversely, neither nonassertive nor aggressive communication styles yielded similar positive outcomes.

This study establishes a clear connection between pharmacists' assertiveness and the willingness of physicians to reconsider and adjust medication prescriptions. Given that assertiveness is a skill that can be cultivated through training, future research could investigate whether enhancing pharmacists' assertiveness further contributes to improved patient safety in drug treatment.

For more information, refer to the study titled "Assertiveness in Community Pharmacists and Their Experience of Pharmacist-Led Deprescribing: A Cross-Sectional Study."