The provision of a compliance aid for periods of say one or two days supply of medication, or for the supply of medicines to be collected at the pharmacy by the patient on pre-arranged days, would also assist patients who forget to take their medication. Domiciliary visits by a pharmacist is one way to ensure patient compliance in cases needing closer supervision. In addition, a check may be made at the pharmacy when patients fail to collect further supplies of their medication. Counselling patients Counselling patients about the need for compliance and explaining possible side effects is essential for mentally ill patients who, for a variety of reasons, fail to take their medication. This should be done informally by the pharmacist, in a quiet area of the pharmacy, when medicines are collected.
Patients also benefit from the opportunity to discuss treatment and ask questions about it.
They may also be sedated by their medication which makes them slower to respond. Pharmacists may find that once a patient's confidence is gained, then it is possible to help them in future when questions are asked. A record should be kept, if possible, of any OTC medicines which are purchased by mentally ill patients to keep a check on any incompatibilities, adverse reactions or duplication. It is essential for patients to be counselled by the pharmacist when OTC products are purchased. Some mentally ill patients are more likely to attempt suicide than others, so pharmacists should advise on the disposal of any surplus medicines in an attempt to prevent hoarding.