PATIENT SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION - A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The purpose of this review was to critically examine the literature pu blished in the English language (1983-1995) related to the use of self -medication programmes by hospital patients and to determine whether s uch a scheme could be implemented and evaluated within the acute medic al setting. Searches revealed a wealth of information relating to self -medication and it was evident that such schemes have been welcomed wi th enthusiasm by clinical nurses. However, only 12 empirical studies e valuating the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication programm es could be located. The remainder were all anecdotal or described the process of implementation in such broad terms that they could not be considered to fulfil the rigorous requirements demanded of research st udies. Even the 12 empirical studies contained serious methodological flaws, Thus authors' claims that self-medication increased compliance with the drug regime could not be accepted with confidence. Neverthele ss, the authors made a number of sensible recommendations which logica lly would be expected to increase compliance. These included simplific ation of the drug regime and careful patient assessment with the progr amme tailored to meet individual need. It was also possible to highlig ht areas where future research could be conducted (e.g. more detailed examination of the importance nurse-patient interaction to the success of self-medication, longer-term evaluation) and to identify means of improving research designs so that this important field of patient car e may in future be examined with greater rigour. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd.