Abstract
The aim of this pilot study was to identify problem areas for elderly patients living in nursing homes taking their oral medicines according to prescription e.g. the right dose, in the correct way and at the right time as well as maintaining integrity and autonomy.
The study also included how the intake of medicines was recorded. Another aim was to test research protocols.
The main data collection methods included structured observations, interviews and review of the patients records. Seventeen (n=17) patients living in two nursing homes were observed at sixtyone (61) occasions. The focus was on how the patient managed to take prepared oral medicines from a cup, into the mouth and then to swallow it.
The following problem areas were identified and will be further studied in a random study:
–potential correlation between the patient's knowledge about/attitude to medicines and managing of the intake; –decisions regarding the serving of medicines in original or in crushed form; –potential needs for medication assistance; –potential correlation between number, size and design of pills, dosage, and medication problems; –routines of the ward; –swallowing pills with/without beverage; –the posture of the patient; –relation/interaction between patient and assistant; –balance between nursing care and forced medication and –recording (prescription, administration and nursing care).