A Qualitative Study of Psychiatric Patients’ Perceptions of Pharmacy Services in the Psychiatric Department

Abstract

This study aims to determine patients’ perception of pharmacy services in the psychiatric polyclinic at PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital, Yogyakarta. A descriptive qualitative technique was used in this investigation. The mental polyclinic patients’ experiences with the pharmacological services they received were shared. Open-ended questions about the patient’s knowledge of the medication, the objectives of therapy, the occurrence of side effects, the patient’s response to them, whether the patient received treatment-related information from the psychiatrist, whether the patient received information from the pharmacist about drugs, and whether the patient was satisfied with pharmacy services were used during the March–April 2023 interview process. There were 39 participants with mental health issues in this study. Eleven respondents could name the type of medication given to them. Ten patients reported not receiving an explanation from the doctor about their therapy. After using the medication, some patients reported feeling comfortable. Some patients reported experiencing adverse effects like sleepiness, tremors, shortness of breath, and spotting. Eight patients who consulted pharmacists for medication showed patient recognition of pharmacists. Most patients were satisfied with pharmacists’ pharmaceutical services, but some demanded a more thorough explanation of their illness and alternative treatments. Pharmaceutical services for psychiatry have been performed well according to patient perceptions. Several aspects still need to be improved.

Keywords

• pharmacy services
• pharmacist
• psychiatric patient
• drug
• perception