Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis toward Their Medications: The Impact of Pharmacist-Based Pharmacotherapy Clinic

Introduction Pharmacists are the key members of the multidisciplinary team caring for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in drug treatment process. The potential benefits of pharmacist interventions in the concepts of patient education, may be optimize drug treatment and decrease hospitalization due to poor adherence. The goal of pharmacist’ interventions regarding treatment process is supporting patients’ decision-making and self-care management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of pharmacist in decrease interferon beta related problems in patients with MS. Methods In this interventional pre-post design study, we prepared a questionnaire consist of 17 items to assess the patients’ knowledge on correct using of interferon-beta, and actions needed to reduce the side effects of medication and improve the control of the disease symptoms. After validity and reliability test based on opinions of a multidisciplinary panel, pre-testing on 15 patients, 15 items remained. One hundred patients, who were diagnosed with MS and receiving interferon-beta for at least one year, answer the questionnaire before and after pharmacist consultation. Results Patients’ achieved scores before and after consultation, were 4.90±5.79 and 14.44±0.99 respectively. Although they have received this medication for at least 1 year, and there is a significant difference between knowledge of patients before and after pharmacist educational program (P< 0.001). Conclusion There are few studies evaluating the potential impact of pharmaceutical care on patients with MS. The results of this study show that most participants didn’t have enough knowledge about interferon-beta while they received this medication for at least one year. Pharmaceutical care could improve the patient’s knowledge, adherence and practice about their medications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pharmacists ، Interferon-beta ، Multiple Sclerosis ، Pharmaceutical Services ، Patient Care Team