Development of a novel person-centered question prompt list to pharmacists in Japanese community pharmacies: Focus Group and Delphi Method

Abstract

Background The concept of shifting from patient-centered to person-centered approach in pharmacy practice has been proposed. This shift requires smooth communication between the patients and pharmacists. Although there exists a question prompt list (QPL) for patients and doctors, the same is not available for pharmacists focused on a person-centered approach. This study aimed to develop a novel question prompt list to pharmacists (QPLP) focusing on a person-centered approach to facilitate communication between patients and pharmacists. Methods This study aimed to develop the QPLP in three steps. In the first step, six medical pharmaceutical researchers with pharmacist qualifications and two experienced representatives from patient associations prepared an initial draft of the QPLP, referencing existing QPLs used by patients to prepare questions for doctors before consultation. Next, a focus group interview was conducted with eight patients, and a QPLP was drafted. Finally, a modified Delphi method was used to evaluate and collect opinions, and the QPLP was finalized. Results A QPLP comprising 16 questions was developed with patient participation in a three-step process. The content was categorized into five sections: “Medicines,” “How to Take/Use Medicines,” “Daily Life,” “Treatment,” and “Consumer Health Information.” The questions covered concerns regarding medicines, difficulties in using medicines, issues in daily life during treatment, treatment-related problems, authenticity of health information, and community health and exercise information. Conclusion In this study, we developed a novel QPLP to enhance communication between patients and pharmacists, focusing on a person-centered approach with active patient involvement. Future studies should investigate the contribution of the developed QPLP in improving patient–pharmacist communication. These questions may encourage healthy people and patients to seek health advice from pharmacists.