Misperceptions of patients vs providers regarding medication-related communication issues

Abstract

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that there is little concordance in perceptions of medication-related communication between patients and providers, with providers estimating greater frequency of such discussions than patients; and to determine whether discordance is less apparent among patients who received e-prescriptions.

Study design: Data are from a convenience sample of 96 providers practicing in 6 states and 1100 of their patients. Twenty-nine practices used e-prescribing, and 3 practices were initiating e-prescribing.

Methods: Patients' and providers' perceptions regarding discussions with their providers or patients regarding medication costs, adherence, and potential adverse effects were collected by survey.

Results: Relative to patients, providers estimated more frequent discussions of medication issues with patients. Most patients (83%) reported that they would never tell their physician if they did not plan on picking up a prescription. Patients receiving electronic prescriptions were more likely than patients with paper prescriptions (54% vs 43%) to report that their provider always checks the accuracy of their medication list.

Conclusion: Although e-prescribing may not change the extent to which patients and physicians discuss medication issues, patients of e-prescribing providers more frequently report provider verification of medication lists.