Physicians' perspectives on communicating prescription drug information

Physician-patient communication has been identified as one factor that infl uences prescription drug compliance rates, even though the nature of such c ommunication has not been well described. This study used a qualitative app roach (in-depth interviews with 20 physicians representing a variety of med ical areas) to better understand the process by which physicians communicat e prescription drug information to their patients. A content analysis of in terview transcripts indicated that two-way interactions focusing on the spe cific needs of the patients should be encouraged over simply disseminating more and more information about prescriptions. Information regarding unlike ly outcomes was suggested to cause patient anxiety, which might be tied to decreased compliance rates. Physicians stressed the importance of "patient- directed communication" and expressed their concern over what they consider ed to be inappropriate sources of drug information. Other specific reasons cited for non-compliance included forgetfulness, ignoring medication when f eeling better, and apprehensions about side effects.