Practices of healthcare professionals in communicating with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug users in Thailand: a qualitative study

Objective This study aimed to explore practices among healthcare professionals in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) information provision. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with orthopaedic physicians (OPs), hospital and community pharmacists (CPs) in northeastern Thailand. Ten hospitals and 20 pharmacies in five provinces were purposively selected. Interviews followed a topic guideline, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework approach. Key findings Fifty-one participants were involved: 13 OPs, 20 hospital pharmacists and 18 CPs. Four main themes emerged: general information, safety information, differences between new and regular NSAID users and non-selective and selective NSAID users. Pharmacists mostly provided information on administration and indication. While all three groups informed of adverse effects, this was selective, related to factors including trading, time available, patients' age and perceived ability to understand. Gastrointestinal adverse effect information was most commonly provided, with other side effects, drug interactions and need to monitor for adverse effects rarely mentioned. Variation was reported in provision of safety information depending on whether patients were using selective or non-selective NSAIDs, and new or long-term users. Conclusions The content and frequency of NSAID information provision varied between health professionals. Greater awareness of NSAID risks is essential; therefore, strategies to improve information provision to Thai patients are desirable.