THIS week's contributor is Gerald Quigley, Pharmacist and Herbalist - I'm often surprised when asked for an opinion on a supplement that has been, or is about to be purchased online from an overseas website. The brilliant use of testimonials within the website offer often distorts the truth. Many of our patients seek the fast solution to health issues that invariably have been developing over a long time.
Helping that person sort out the facts from the fiction can take some time, but in our role of experts on substances with a therapeutic outcome, that is indeed our professional responsibility.
The retail environment is missing one key ingredient in my view -- engagement. Once trustful engagement has been initiated, respect for your opinions is accepted more readily. Active listening is a skill that requires constant upgrading.
Bearing in mind the strict regulations governing manufacture, advertising and claims here in Australia, reminding our patients of those safeguards seems logical. Online purchasing of supplements can be tricky at the best of times, and more so within an overseas site.
Become an expert engager. Actively seek involvement in nutritional supplements of any sort as often as you can when your opinion is sought.
Your patients will thank you, and will become your best advocates -- all at no advertising cost to you!
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 22 Oct 18
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 22 Oct 18
