Survey Regarding Provisions of a 3-Day Supply of an Antihypertensive.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the provisions made by pharmacists when dispensing an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication to patients in a community setting.


METHODS
Pharmacists and nonpharmacists (pharmacy technicians or interns) who were employed with community pharmacies and have witnessed or dispensed an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication. Those who agreed to participate in this study via informed consent.


METHODS
A short questionnaire was used to assess the provisions made by community pharmacists from the perspectives of both the pharmacists and the nonpharmacists.


METHODS
Availability of blood pressure machines, evaluation of blood pressure readings, and patient counseling sessions or assessments prior to dispensing the emergency supply of an antihypertensive were the major outcome measures.


RESULTS
Among the participants, 92% of the pharmacists and 79% of the nonpharmacists reported they have witnessed or dispensed an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication. Of those, 82% of the pharmacists and 78% of the nonpharmacists recognized there were blood pressure machines available. However, 78% of the pharmacists and 72% of the nonpharmacists acknowledged the patient's blood pressure was not checked.


CONCLUSIONS
This observational study demonstrates that provisions when dispensing an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication are inconsistent. Further evaluation is warranted.
Jacksonville Practice Division, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA jaxdseal@live.com.
David W
DW
Seal
Jacksonville Practice Division, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Je'Laune
J
Walton
Jacksonville Practice Division, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Sherifa
S
Williams
Jacksonville Practice Division, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Robert
R
Wilson
Jacksonville Practice Division, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Joshua
J
Smith-Benson
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010596:Pharmacy Technicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents
72-hour supply; antihypertensive; pharmacist; pharmacy technician; survey