"Tell me so I know you understand": pharmacists' verification of patients' comprehension of antiretroviral dosage instructions in a cross-cultural context.
OBJECTIVE
Patient comprehension of dosage instructions is an essential condition for adherence to treatment regimens, but previous studies show that pharmacists do not generally check understanding. This study aims to describe and discuss the effectiveness of various strategies for verifying patients' understanding of ARV dosage instructions in a cross-cultural context.


METHODS
Twenty-six cross-cultural pharmacist-patient interactions in an ARV pharmacy in South Africa were analysed using Conversation Analysis techniques. Interviews with participants were analysed using Thematic Content Analysis.


RESULTS
Various strategies for verifying patient understanding were identified in the data, including eliciting a demonstration of understanding, using specific questions to verify understanding, using response solicitations and monitoring patients' verbal and non-verbal responses. These strategies are illustrated with relevant data extracts. Interviews revealed that patients appeared to have good understanding of ARV-related concepts.


CONCLUSIONS
These strategies for verification of patient understanding appear to be effective tools which enable pharmacists to identify misunderstandings or initiate clarification sequences.


CONCLUSIONS
The strategies are felt to be particularly useful in cross-linguistic pharmacy interactions and have implications for other professionals.
Watermeyer
Jennifer
J
School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. jennywatermeyer@gmail.com
Penn
Claire
C
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003144:Communication Barriers; D032882:Comprehension; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013019:South Africa
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents