Which statement best describes the role of the pharmacist in patient counselling?

• A. Counselling is completed by the pharmacist, intern, or student; Registered Pharmacy Technicians can provide non-clinical information.
• B. Counselling is the sole responsibility of the technician.
• C. Counselling is optional and never conducted.
• D. Counselling is performed only by nurses.

Answer: (A)

Counselling in pharmacy is a team-based clinical activity led by the pharmacist, with roles for the wider team under appropriate supervision. The pharmacist provides the core clinical guidance on how to take the medication, how to manage potential side effects, interactions, and safety concerns. Interns and students can participate in counseling under supervision, reinforcing messages and supporting patient understanding. Registered pharmacy technicians contribute by handling non-clinical information and tasks that support the counseling process, such as logistics, storage, or obtaining medication, but they do not replace the pharmacist in delivering clinical advice. This arrangement ensures patients receive accurate, safety-focused guidance while using the pharmacy team efficiently. The other statements fall short because counselling is not optional, it involves clinical input from the pharmacist, and it is not limited to nurses.