Survey Regarding Provisions of a 3-Day Supply of an Antihypertensive

To evaluate the provisions made by pharmacists when dispensing an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication to patients in a community setting.

Pharmacists and nonpharmacists (pharmacy technicians or interns) who were employed with community pharmacies and have witnessed or dispensed an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication. Those who agreed to participate in this study via informed consent.

A short questionnaire was used to assess the provisions made by community pharmacists from the perspectives of both the pharmacists and the nonpharmacists.

Availability of blood pressure machines, evaluation of blood pressure readings, and patient counseling sessions or assessments prior to dispensing the emergency supply of an antihypertensive were the major outcome measures.

Among the participants, 92% of the pharmacists and 79% of the nonpharmacists reported they have witnessed or dispensed an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication. Of those, 82% of the pharmacists and 78% of the nonpharmacists recognized there were blood pressure machines available. However, 78% of the pharmacists and 72% of the nonpharmacists acknowledged the patient's blood pressure was not checked.

This observational study demonstrates that provisions when dispensing an emergency supply of an antihypertensive medication are inconsistent. Further evaluation is warranted.