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Writing the prescription and informing the patient.

BACKGROUND
Having decided on the generic drug to prescribe the prescription needs to be written and the patient informed regarding the treatment.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses some regulatory requirements for writing a legal prescription, but predominantly discusses important aspects of informing patients regarding drug therapy.


DISCUSSION
The actual writing of a prescription is a small part of the prescribing process and needs to comply with local regulations. Including patients in the decision to embark on a treatment and informing them of drug treatment is a very important part of the prescribing process. There is no simple formula, but patients need to be informed on what they want to know, when they want to know it, and in the way that is most acceptable to them. It is important to use both verbal and written forms of communication and to allow patients to reflect over the information, ask questions, and be further informed over subsequent consultations. Consumer medicine information leaflets can be a useful aid, but require that the clinician understand and be prepared to answer questions raised by them.