[Evaluation of a self-administration of medication practice in a rehabilitation unit]

Self-administration consists in the administration of medications by the patient himself during his hospitalization. The order of October 10, 2022 (Arrêté du 10 octobre 2022 modifiant l'arrêté du 6 avril 2011) modified the April 6, 2011 regulation to allow and regulate self-administration practices in hospital units. This evolution opens new perspectives for patient autonomy. The objective of this study is, firstly, to evaluate the rate of medication errors from patients under self-administration and secondly, to evaluate the satisfaction of patients and caregivers.

Eligible patients were recruited from a locomotor and polyvalent rehabilitation unit. After verification of eligibility, explanation given to the patient about the hospital self-administration of medication procedure and signature of the compliance agreement, patients started self-administration. Medication errors were reported during seven days. Evaluations of patient and staff satisfaction were also carried out.

Of the 83 patients admitted to the care service, 32 were able to experiment self-administered medication procedure during their hospitalization. To assess the safety of this practice, 1235 drug intakes were analyzed. Ninety-four administration errors were noted: 98% of them concerned analgesic drugs. All of these errors were omissions and none of them were rated as serious. The 20 patients questioned were all satisfied with self-administration. The 14 carers interviewed were satisfied with this change in practice.

The medication self-administration process set up in the rehabilitation unit did not lead to serious medication errors. Patients and caregivers reported being satisfied with this new hospital practice.