Vainio's research shows that pharmacists have become more involved in advising patients, but that there is still much improvement needed.
For example, she finds it regrettable that many pharmacists simple state how much and how often a customer should take their medicine. Vainio says customers should be given the opportunity to discuss the treatment more thoroughly with their pharmacists privately, out of hearing of other customers.
One particular area of concern is the lack of assistance offered to chronic sufferers. According to Vainio, frequently pharmacists simply assume that these patients are constantly looked after, and that their use of medicines is supervised by a doctor.
"Pharmacists might assume, for example, that an asthmatic's treatment is progressing without problems, and that the doctor has sufficiently advised them," says Vainio.
"However, patients in long-term care need frequent information about the medicines and its significance, in addition to the motivation to continue regular treatment."
Vainio points to a study by the World Health Organisation which states that only around half of patients with chronic illnesses follow treatment directions exactly.
