Pharmaceutical care needs of patients with angina

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient knowledge and assess the management of angina for patients receiving sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) Method: Prospective data collection and patient interview was undertaken in 17 community pharmacies. Results: During the study 488 angina patients presented to the participating pharmacies. Data were collected for 347 patients receiving sublingual GTN. Problems with administration technique were identified for 108 patients (31%) and knowledge of when to seek medical help appropriately after failed GTN use was unsure for 134 patients (39%) or poor for 88 patients (25%). Eighty five patients (24%) were not receiving regular symptomatic therapy. Aspirin was prescribed or purchased by 253 patients (73%). Seven pharmacies participated in GP referral (data collected for 201 patients); 31 patients (15%) were referred usually with a recommendation to add aspirin. The outcome of 20 of these referrals was assessed; advice was taken for 13 patients, 3 patients failed to attend GP, aspirin was contraindicated for 3 patients and one patient already attended pharmacist medication review. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential contribution community pharmacists could make at the time of dispensing to the management of patients with angina.