Nabil Fakih: How to Counsel Effectively?

Nabil Fakih believes that other than filling prescriptions and verifying a patient's medical information, counseling and mentoring are two of the most vital roles pharmacists play in the healthcare system. Through effective sessions, pharmacists can significantly impact patient care. This task is essential primarily when the patient lacks knowledge about the prescribed medication and how it can affect him or her. For Nabil Fakih, counseling provided by pharmacists has three objectives: to evaluate the patient's understanding of the medication, to improve drug adherence, and to encourage the patient to be active in his or her health management. All of these goals are vital for the patient's quick recovery and overall improvement of health.

But how do you know if you are a competent counselor? Nabil Fakih believes that while pharmacists implement personalized counseling techniques for each patient, several vital skills will make the pharmacists more effective in counseling and the patient more proactive in their health management.

The very first step to being more effective in counseling is to establish rapport and trust with the patient. For Nabil Fakih, pharmacists, especially community pharmacists, are among the most trusted and accessible professionals in the healthcare system. It is essential to exhibit a genuine interest in patient care when facing the patient and encourage engagement. Listening and asking appropriate questions are the other two most critical things to make your patient counseling more effective. Nabil Fakih believes that listening and addressing their concerns, needs, and questions during counseling will make patients feel that you are doing their best to provide them with the best patient care they deserve. On the other hand, asking appropriate questions will assure your clients that you are concerned about further assessing them and gathering all the valuable information that you need.