The Benefits of Carving Out Substantial Consultation Times
September 5, 2024
As the world of healthcare has evolved and the relationship between patients and providers has shifted, new opportunities for pharmacy owners to become more involved in patient care have arisen.
One of the main touchpoints between pharmacists and their patients is consultations upon prescription pickup. These consultations have the opportunity to be very meaningful connection opportunities, but only if pharmacists have the time to devote to these beyond simple procedural instructions.
In this blog, we’ll cover the benefits of making more time for prolonged, meaningful consultations and how pharmacy owners can get more hours back in their day to devote to this practice.
Personalized Care and Trust Building
When you set aside ample time for consultations, you can offer personalized care that addresses the specific needs of each patient. This personalized approach builds trust, as patients feel heard and understood — which can help bolster the practice of patient-centered care at your pharmacy.
Unlike large chain pharmacies, where patients might feel like just another number, your independent pharmacy can provide a level of care that makes patients feel valued. This trust leads to increased patient loyalty, ensuring repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Improved Medication Adherence
Taking the time to thoroughly explain medication regimens, potential side effects, and proper usage can significantly improve medication adherence. Patients who understand the importance of their medications and how to take them correctly are more likely to follow their prescribed treatment plans. This not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances your pharmacy's reputation as a trusted healthcare provider.
Opportunity for Expanding Services
Extended consultation times allow for the identification of additional health needs or concerns that patients may not have initially mentioned.
This opens the door for offering additional services, such as medication therapy management, immunizations, or wellness screenings. By addressing these needs, you can further enhance the value you provide to your patients and create new revenue streams for your pharmacy.
Getting More Time for Patient Care with Nimble
While the benefits of longer, more thorough patient consultations are clear, you may not have time in your day to make these a reality. This is where Nimble can help! When you leverage Nimble’s automated patient communication and online checkout, you’ll spend less time on manual tasks and get more hours back in your day to engage with patients.
Curious how we make that happen? Reach out to our team today to learn more.
