Outcomes of Counseling by Pharmacists on Clozapine in Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract

Objective:To assess the patients’ knowledge on the use of clozapine after receving counseling from pharmacists. Method: This research was a quasi-experimental study. Pharmacists gave counseling on clozapine to patients with schizophrenia aged 18 and over in the outpatient department of Phrasrimahapho Hospital. The study measured patient's knowledge by using 15-items questionnaires for 3 times, i.e. before receiving counseling, immediately after counseling, and after counseling for one month. Results: Sixty-two patients were recruited into the study. Forty five patients completed all 3 questionnaires. The mean knowledge score of the patients immediately after counseling (11.78±0.42 out of a full score of 15) significantly increased from the level before counseling (5.76±0.36) (P<0.05). Patient's knowledge score at one month after consultation (11.67 ± 0.49) was not different from that after counseling (P = 1.00) Conclusion: Mean knowledge score of the patients receiving clozapine after having counseling from a pharmacist increased and remained for up to one month after counseling.