DRUG-USE MANAGEMENT IN BOARD AND CARE FACILITIES

The purpose of this study was to describe medication management in boa rd and care facilities throughout Minnesota. A triangulation of data c ollection methods was used, including mail questionnaires (N = 98 faci lities), telephone interviews (N = 64 facilities), and site visits (N = 15 facilities). Major issues examined included characteristics of bo ard and care facilities, staffing, residents, and drug management syst ems. Results showed that staff in 86% of the board and care facilities surveyed provided medication storage, 83% gave medication reminders, and 69% administered medications to one or more residents. Site visits revealed a wide diversity in the characteristics of managers and thei r attitudes toward medication administration.