Initiating Self-Administration of Medicines for inpatients with cystic fibrosis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric pharmacology
• Healthcare management
• Patient safety

Background:

• Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) require numerous medications, often administered at home.
• The Self-Administration of Medicines (SAM) scheme empowers patients and caregivers to manage medications during hospital stays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of a SAM scheme for pediatric CF patients.
• To assess drug errors, financial implications, and satisfaction levels among patients and nursing staff.

Main Methods:

• A pilot SAM protocol was initiated and refined.
• Drug errors were tracked via an electronic reporting system.
• Cost analysis of using patient-owned medications was performed.
• Parent and nurse satisfaction surveys were conducted.

Main Results:

• 60% of pediatric CF admissions were suitable for the SAM scheme.
• Over 5 years, 33 drug errors were recorded.
• The hospital achieved cost savings of £20,022 in one year for 123 admissions.
• High patient and parent satisfaction was reported, with a desire to continue SAM.

Conclusions:

• The SAM scheme proved successful, despite a 3-year implementation period.
• Protocol amendments effectively addressed drug errors.
• Cost savings are a secondary benefit of using patient's own medications.
• The SAM scheme is adaptable for pediatric patients with chronic diseases requiring long-term medication.