Self-administration of medical modalities (SAMM): another method of rehabilitation education

In order to train patients to carry out home pulmonary care adequately, we developed a hospital-based patient-education program we call Self-Administration of Medical Modalities (SAMM). This teaches patients about their pulmonary disease; about their medications' purposes, side effects and what to do if they occur, possible conflict with other medications, and the medication schedule; about use, care, and cleaning of aerosol inhalation devices and scheduling of aerosol medication treatments; and about chest physical therapy if it is indicated. Nurses, respiratory therapists, and physical therapists in the hospital teach and reinforce these concepts and evaluate the patient's progress in learning. The patient advances through three levels of competency. At Level I he is responsible only for keeping track of his medication and treatment schedules. At Level II the patient initiates requests for medication and treatments on schedule, takes them under supervision, and makes a written record of having done so. At Level III the patient's medications are kept at his bedside, he prepares and takes the medications himself, takes treatments himself, and he keeps written records. At this level the program simulates home conditions as much as possible. Patients have reported that they liked administering their own medications and treatments and that the SAMM Program was helpful in preparing them for self-care at home.