Mouna J Sawan1, Yun-Hee Jeon2, Christine Bond3, Sarah N Hilmer4, Timothy F Chen1, Damian Wennekers5, Danijela Gnjidic1,6. 1. School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia. 2. Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia. 3. School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. 4. Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia. 5. School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. 6. Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Caregivers of people living with dementia play an essential role in managing medications across transitions of care. Adequate caregiver medication management guidance at hospital discharge is important to ensure optimal outcomes from medication use. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of caregivers about the medication management guidance provided at hospital discharge. METHODS: A qualitative approach using semi-structured, telephone interviews was conducted with 31 caregivers of people with dementia across Australia. Purposive sampling was used to ensure maximum variation of diverse experiences and perspectives. RESULTS: Caregivers' experiences of medication guidance for people with dementia at discharge were described in three themes including: (a) inadequate information about medication management at discharge; (b) limited caregiver engagement in medication management decisions; and (c) difficulties ensuring medication supply post discharge. Most participants indicated they would like to be included in discussions at discharge. However, participation was influenced by caregivers being overwhelmed by discharge processes; proactively seeking information on medication-related harm; and belief in advocacy as part of their caregiver role. Caregivers reported they would like to receive a tailored medication list for people with dementia which included information on medications that may impact on the patient's cognition, and for hospital staff to communicate with both the community pharmacist and primary care physician, to improve co-ordination post transition. DISCUSSION: In our study of caregivers of people with dementia, we identified key recommendations to facilitate regular participation of people living with dementia and their caregiver around medication guidance at discharge.
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Caregivers of people living with dementia play an essential role in managing medications across transitions of care. Adequate caregiver medication management guidance at hospital discharge is important to ensure optimal outcomes from medication use. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of caregivers about the medication management guidance provided at hospital discharge. METHODS: A qualitative approach using semi-structured, telephone interviews was conducted with 31 caregivers of people with dementia across Australia. Purposive sampling was used to ensure maximum variation of diverse experiences and perspectives. RESULTS: Caregivers' experiences of medication guidance for people with dementia at discharge were described in three themes including: (a) inadequate information about medication management at discharge; (b) limited caregiver engagement in medication management decisions; and (c) difficulties ensuring medication supply post discharge. Most participants indicated they would like to be included in discussions at discharge. However, participation was influenced by caregivers being overwhelmed by discharge processes; proactively seeking information on medication-related harm; and belief in advocacy as part of their caregiver role. Caregivers reported they would like to receive a tailored medication list for people with dementia which included information on medications that may impact on the patient's cognition, and for hospital staff to communicate with both the community pharmacist and primary care physician, to improve co-ordination post transition. DISCUSSION: In our study of caregivers of people with dementia, we identified key recommendations to facilitate regular participation of people living with dementia and their caregiver around medication guidance at discharge.