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[Drug supply to nursing homes for the aged]
J Hendrichs1, G Hövel, J Lohbreier-Dörr
1Gesundheitsamt Münster.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|September 19, 2001
Summary
Revising German pharmacy laws to allow nursing home contracts is essential for improving medication safety. These agreements will define pharmacy services, ensuring better drug supply and consultation for residents.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical policy
- Healthcare management
- Geriatric pharmacy practice
Context:
- Germany's proposed legislative revisions aim to enhance medicine supply for nursing home residents.
- Current laws prohibit formal agreements between pharmacies and nursing homes regarding medication supply and services.
- Regional pharmacy inspectorates in North Rhine-Westphalia have investigated current drug supply practices in nursing homes.
Purpose:
- To assess the current state of pharmaceutical supply and services in nursing homes.
- To gather insights from nursing home management on pharmacy service quality and needs.
- To inform legislative changes regarding pharmacy-nursing home collaborations.
Summary:
- A survey of 35 nursing homes in North Rhine-Westphalia revealed 80% satisfaction with existing retail pharmacy services.
- Enhanced pharmaceutical services, including drug use consultation, are currently limited and provided mainly upon specific request.
- The study highlights a need for improved drug safety through revised legislation enabling pharmacy-nursing home contracts.
Impact:
- Legislative revision is recommended to permit contracts that specify pharmacy service levels, including information and consultation.
- Future contracts should incorporate essential elements like drug information, consultation, and inspection of medication storage.
- Implementing these changes is crucial for enhancing drug safety and optimizing pharmaceutical care in nursing home settings.