Ghanaian Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Perception of Medication History Taking

Abstract

The role of pharmacists in the recording of accurate and comprehensive medication histories cannot be overemphasised. As experts in medicines, pharmacists are believed to be especially suited to acquire and supervise the recording of accurate medication histories due to their familiarity with drug names, doses, dosage forms, among others. Pharmacists involvement in the medication history taking process in health facilities, especially in developing countries is however not common. This study assesses the knowledge and perception of pharmacists about the medication history taking process and their role in it. Data were gathered through the administration of questionnaires to 55 pharmacists at Komfo Anokye Teachimg Hospital, a tertiary care institution in Ghana. Findings from the study show that pharmacists have an excellent knowledge (Mean = 4.32, SD = 0.78) and a positive perception (Mean = 3.90, SD = 0.89) of the medication history taking process. They are willing to be involved in the medication history taking process at health facilities.

Keywords: Medication history, knowledge, perception, pharmacists.