An investigation into the ability of elderly patients continuing to take prescribed drugs after discharge from hospital and recommendations concerning improving the situation.

An investigation was made by an Occupational Therapist into the problems encountered by 50 elderly patients in the self-administration of drugs prior to discharge home. The questions asked the patients are enumerated and recommendations are made concerning how improvements can take place so that many more of the elderly will take the prescribed drugs in the right doses at the right time on discharge home.