Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Discharge processes and medicines communication from the patient perspective: A qualitative study at an internal
Stine Eidhammer Rognan1,2, Sofia Kälvemark Sporrong3, Kajsa Bengtsson4
1Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Oslo Hospital Pharmacy, Oslo, Norway.
Background:
Patients are expected to participate in the hospital discharge process, assume self-management after discharge and communicate relevant information to their general practitioner; however, patients report that they are not being sufficiently empowered to take on these responsibilities. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the discharge process with a focus on medicines communication, from the patient perspective.
Methods:
Patients were included at a hospital ward, observed during health-care personnel encounters on the day of discharge and interviewed 1-2 weeks after discharge. A process analysis was performed, and a content analysis combined data from observations and data from patient interviews focusing on medicines communication in the discharge process.
Results:
A total of 9 patients were observed on the day of discharge, equalling 67.5 hours of observations. The analysis resulted in the following themes: (a) the observed discharge process; (b) patient initiatives; and (c) the patient role. The medicines communication in the discharge process appeared unstructured. Various patient preferences and needs were revealed. The elements of the best practice structured discharge conversation were observed; however, some patients did not have a discharge conversation at all.
Conclusions:
The study contributes to a broader understanding of the discharge process, how patients experience it, including their role. It is evident that the discharge process is not always tailored to meet the patients' needs. More focus on early patient involvement and communication, in order to better prepare patients for self-management of their medications, is important for their health outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Flow Sheet
Here's a closer look at the examples of flowsheets commonly used by nurses:
Graphic Sheet Documentation:
Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process III: Evaluation and Documentation
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation

