Patients' Needs and Expectations for the Application of Prevention of Drug-related Problems Prevention Programs

Drug-related problems (DRPs) constitute a relevant health issue with a significant and escalating impact. The objective of this study is to identify the needs and expectations of patients benefiting from secondary prevention programs for DRPs in an emergency department.

A 7-month prospective study was conducted. Three participatory sessions were held with professionals from different healthcare levels, along with individual interviews conducted with patients and their caregivers and healthcare professionals involved. The concepts around which the analysis was centered on the journey maps of each user of a secondary prevention program of DRPs and the problems, needs, and opportunities for improvement in various scenarios, including primary care, hospitals, residences, intermediate care, and community pharmacies.

A total of 40 interviews were conducted to define the scenarios in which the patient can travel in the healthcare environment. Patients identified problems after hospital discharge, expressing the desire to have more time with the healthcare professional to comprehend, and integrate the information about their treatment. Similarly, difficulties arose in resolving doubts because there was no contact person available after discharge. The healthcare settings of primary care and community pharmacy play important roles in instilling confidence in users.

Patients engaging in DRP's prevention programs require a redefined healthcare team to manage their medications. This team should have clearly defined roles among professionals and implement a follow-up and reinforcement program to personalize treatment adjusting medication (medication changes), educating patients through guidelines to enhance patient's adherence.