This vital part of patient management is sadly often neglected with potentially serious consequences for the expected therapeutic outcome of the prescribed treatment.

In cases where the required drugs are not available or drug treatment is not required or appropriate, it is particularly important to advise the patient on the next steps to take or on alternative forms of therapy, eg. adjustment of diet, increased exercise, etc.

Although counselling the patient may take time, if done systematically it should only take a few minutes and could make the difference between therapeutic success and failure

Include the following key components when counselling the patient:

a) explain the diagnosis, the likely cause of the disease or condition and discuss the proposed approach to treatment

b) describe the prescribed drug therapy in detail including:

- the drug name

- the function of the drug

- the dose regime (dose size, dose frequency, duration)

- any additional instructions on correct use or storage of the drug

- any likely side-effects and what to do if they occur

- advise on important drug interactions (including with alcohol)

c) give advice on how to contribute to the success of the treatment (eg. rest, diet, fluids, other lifestyle changes) and how to avoid the same problem in future

d) ensure the patient fully understands the information and advice provided - ask him/her to repeat key points to you

e) ensure the patient is satisfied with the proposed treatment and has an opportunity to raise any problems or queries with you