A trial of patient-centred drug administration

This article outlines the evaluation of a pilot that aimed to change the system for administering medicines on wards. The project introduced a more patient-centred approach to drug administration on an acute ward in a district general hospital. The changes were made in the context of a wider practice-development strategy within the constraints of a traditional pharmacy system. Both patients and staff responded positively to the changes. The evaluation identified potential benefits and risks, and highlighted the value of nurses and pharmacists working together to improve patient care.