Self-medication on a rehabilitation unit

A self-medication program (SMP) has been designed and implemented as part of a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation. The four stages of the program, coordinated by a pharmacist, are: (1) patient assessment and introduction, (2) self-medication (SM) at the bedside, (3) SM at the nursing station, and (4) discharge assessment. Twenty-four patients, representing 52% of the patients introduced into the program, have successfully completed all stages. Severe physical impairment was not usually a deterrent to the completion of the program. All patients benefitted from the program by acquiring some skills in SM and by receiving additional motivation for improvement. The rehabilitation team received assurance that some patients could comply with their medication regimen after discharge.