Anne G Granas1, Ian Bates. 1. Institute of Pharmacy Practice Research (Apoforsk), Kalfarveien 31, 5018 Bergen, Norway. anne.granas@isf.uib.no
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore patients' understanding and management of their illnesses and prescribed medicines. METHOD: Patients receiving three or more repeat prescription drugs were interviewed in their homes after their repeat prescriptions had drug-related problem (DRP) identified by a community pharmacist in a GP surgery. RESULTS: In total, 58 patients were interviewed. Patients distinguished strongly between 'forgetting' and 'taking less' of their medicines, and some actively reduced the dose themselves. More than 25% of the patients involved their spouse in the administration of their medicines. Patients had more worries about their illness (48%) than their medicines (31%). Any changes made to their present medication, or introduction of new medicines, were thought to 'upset the balance'. CONCLUSION: More information is needed on patients' perspectives, both on side effects, compliance and how to deal with long-term medication. Health care professionals should seek to understand and respect patients' choices to assure optimal care.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore patients' understanding and management of their illnesses and prescribed medicines. METHOD:Patients receiving three or more repeat prescription drugs were interviewed in their homes after their repeat prescriptions had drug-related problem (DRP) identified by a community pharmacist in a GP surgery. RESULTS: In total, 58 patients were interviewed. Patients distinguished strongly between 'forgetting' and 'taking less' of their medicines, and some actively reduced the dose themselves. More than 25% of the patients involved their spouse in the administration of their medicines. Patients had more worries about their illness (48%) than their medicines (31%). Any changes made to their present medication, or introduction of new medicines, were thought to 'upset the balance'. CONCLUSION: More information is needed on patients' perspectives, both on side effects, compliance and how to deal with long-term medication. Health care professionals should seek to understand and respect patients' choices to assure optimal care.