Scripted for Her: Understanding Grief

Scripted for Her, a podcast offering from Drug Topics hosted by Natalie DiPietro Mager, PharmD, PhD, MPH, professor of pharmacy practice at Ohio Northern University, aims to help pharmacists provide comprehensive care and continuity of care for patients. Each episode will discuss a key topic in the women’s and maternal health spaces, giving pharmacists actionable advice that can improve patient outcomes.

In this episode, Natalie talks with Lois Hall, MS, a grief recovery methods specialist, about grief as an important but often overlooked topic in health care. August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day, making this a timely discussion about why grief matters not only as a response to death but also as a reaction to any major life change.

Lois explains that grief is universal and affects everyone at some point. It can come from losses such as divorce, job changes, health problems, or even positive life transitions like retirement or graduation. She highlights the difference between mental health disorders and emotional health, emphasizing that grief is an emotional experience that impacts daily functioning and is often misunderstood or confused with mental health issues.

Pharmacists have an important role because grief can affect patients’ ability to manage medications and follow treatment plans. As trusted health care providers, pharmacists can recognize signs of grief, ask meaningful questions, and connect patients with support resources.

The conversation also touches on how grief impacts pharmacy staff, leading to absenteeism and errors. Natalie and Lois encourage open conversations about grief, normalizing emotional health, and sharing resources to support both patients and health care workers. This episode stresses the need for awareness and compassionate care in pharmacy practice.

Be sure to tune in every month on Drug Topics for critical conversations that will help you provide better care to your patients at all stages of life. All episodes of Scripted for Her will be available in video format via DrugTopics.com, with an audio version available through Spotify.

READ MORE: Women's Health Resource Center

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