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Medication management problems reported by subscribers to a school nurse listserv.
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chicago College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, USA.
Summary
School nurses face significant medication management challenges. This study analyzed listserv discussions, revealing diverse problems and practical strategies school nurses employ to ensure safe medication practices.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Pharmacy Practice
Background:
- Suboptimal medication management in schools poses serious risks.
- Empirical research on school medication management is limited.
- School nurses are central to medication administration and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common medication management problems encountered by school nurses.
- To document the strategies school nurses utilize to address these issues.
- To highlight the need for pharmacy professional involvement in school medication management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of messages from the SCHLRN-L listserv, a discussion group for school nurses.
- Monitoring of all messages over a 5-month period.
- Selection of 71 discussion threads focused on medication management.
Main Results:
- School nurses encounter a wide spectrum of medication management problems.
- Nurses employ various practical strategies and "tricks of the trade" to resolve these issues.
- The study confirms the existence of significant medication management challenges in schools.
Conclusions:
- School nurses actively manage complex medication-related issues.
- There is a critical need for enhanced support and collaboration, particularly from pharmacists.
- Addressing these problems is essential for student safety and effective drug therapy in schools.