Communication problems for prescription drugs

A University of Queensland study has found a potentially widespread misuse of prescription medicines among Australia's non-English speaking community.

The study, undertaken as an honours thesis by Jasmina Bajramovic under the supervision of School of Pharmacy head Professor Sue Tett, found many non-English speaking people could be underdosing, overdosing or taking the incorrect medication because of poor communication.

Professor Tett said there needed to be a more effective use of translators and services developed in pharmacies to meet the needs of Australia's non-English speaking community.

"The most under-utilised resource is pharmacists who speak other languages. It would be useful to commence a public record of pharmacists speaking languages other than English," Professor Tett said.

"Communication between pharmacists and non-English speaking patients is non-existent and language difficulties can, and do, build barriers and prevent positive therapeutic outcomes."

Ms Bajramovic centered her study on 25 people from the former Yugoslavia in the Brisbane area, reviewing their medication and establishing sociological profiles to identify the relevant issues and problems encountered by the participants.

Ms Bajramovic, also from the former Yugoslavia, said she was able to conduct her research in the participants' native language and in their own homes, allowing her to collect detailed and in-depth information.

During her study she conducted 95 interviews, including follow-up visits and consultations with the participants' GPs, who collaborated with the study.

Of the 25 participants, 11 needed their medication changed by their GPs and many identified medication misuse as a problem, usually the result of misunderstanding exactly why they needed medication, how much they needed and when.

"If the results of the study were extrapolated and applied to Australia's non-English speaking population, there would be a huge number of people not taking their medications appropriately," Ms Bajramovic said.

Ms Bajramovic said the participants identified several communication issues including the translation of labels, the availability of translators and the need for written information.

"Participants could not interpret simple labels and the free Translating and Interpreting Services do not extend beyond the doctor's surgery, therefore, once the patient leaves the surgery a lot of the information is lost," she said.

For more information, contact Professor Sue Tett 07 3365 3191 or Peter McCutcheon on 3365 1088.