Pharmacist-patient relationship development in an ambulatory clinic setting

Abstract

We investigated the pharmacist-patient relationship, conceptualizing its interpersonal constructs and dynamics using social exchange principles. The constructs of felt indebtedness (FI), collaborative willingness (CW), interpersonal relationship quality (IRQ), medication use beliefs (MUBs), and critical interpersonal incidents (CII) between pharmacist and patient were proposed, measured, and modeled. Patient responses were collected using interviews and mail surveys in 2 pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinics. Higher IRQ levels predicted greater FI toward and CW with pharmacists (p < .01). MUBs predicted CW with IRQ mediating the association (p < .01). Patients reporting positive CII gave higher IRQ ratings and expressed greater FI (p < .05). Findings suggested that patients' perceptions of their pharmacists, and not their therapy, may lead to increased interpersonal exchange and patient collaboration in care.