Tinne Dilles
University of Antwerp, Belgium
Title: Self-administration of medication in hospital: A mixed-method study on the perspectives of patients and health care providers
Biography
Biography: Tinne Dilles
Abstract
Background & Aim: Self-administration of medications relates to the process where hospitalized patients prepare and consume medications themselves rather than a health professional taking over this role. Literatures suggest possible advantages such as increased patient satisfaction, adherence to pharmacotherapy, and self-care competences. The aim of this study was to explore health care providers’ and patients’ perspectives concerning self-administration of medication whilst in hospital, and to describe which adaptations are required for implementation.
Design & Methods: Mixed-method study; qualitative study in one regional and two university hospitals using semi-structured interviews with nurses, physicians, hospital pharmacists and patients, and a cross-sectional observational study on all hospitalized patients of 14 randomly selected wards in 3 Belgian hospitals.
Findings: Self-administration of medication was perceived as beneficial for patients, nurses and inter- professional collaboration. Nevertheless, also disadvantages for patients, nurses and physicians were mentioned. A clear overview of barriers to overcome in order to increase the prevalence and the quality of self-administration resulted from the interviews. Important conditions to be fulfilled before allowing patients to self-administer medication were related to the patient, the type of medication and the organizational structure. Most of the 124 patients who completed the questionnaire had a positive opinion on the implementation of self-administration, 84% was willing to self-administer their medication whilst in hospital. Patients believed that it would result in feeling more autonomous (75%) and it would increase medication knowledge (73%). The majority was convinced it would not jeopardize the safety of other patients (75%).
Willingness of patients to self-administer medication whilst in hospital
Conclusion: The study extends our knowledge of the perspectives of all health care providers and patients in the process of selfadministration of medication. General perceptions on self-administration were very positive and the conditions for implementation can facilitate adaptations to take the step between evidence and practice.
Recent Publications:
- Vanwesemael, T., Van Rompaey, B., Petrovic, M., Boussery, K., & Dilles, T. (2017). SelfMED: Self-Administration of Medication in Hospital: A Prevalence Study in Flanders, Belgium. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2017 May;49(3):277-285.
- Willemse E., Anthierens S., Farfan-Portet MI., Schmitz O., Macq J., Bastiaens H., Dilles T., Remmen R. (2016) Do informal caregivers for elderly in the community use support measures? A qualitative study in five European countries. BMC Health Serv Res. 2016 Jul 16;16:270.
- Paque K, Goossens K, Elseviers M, Van Bogaert P, Dilles T. (2016) Autonomy and social functioning of recently admitted nursing home residents. Aging Ment Health. 2016 May 13:1-7.
- Dilles T, Van Rompaey B, Van Bogaert P, Elseviers MM. (2015) Resident and nurse reports of potential adverse drug reactions. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2015 Jun;71(6):741-9
- Van Bogaert P, Tolson D, Eerlingen R, Carvers D, Wouters K, Paque K, Timmermans O, Dilles T, Engelborghs S. (2016) J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2016 Nov;23(9-10):568-575.
