Medication self-administration: an outcome-oriented, consumer-driven program

The ability to understand medication and consistently follow a prescribed medical regimen varies among the general population. The Department of Nursing at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center developed a medication self-administration program to help consumers gain knowledge and/or improve their ability to participate in medication and symptoms management. Results have demonstrated that consumers can learn at least one more piece of information about their illness and/or medication despite their level of cognitive functioning, can learn to self-administer medications with minimal supervision before leaving the hospital, and can make an easier transition into the community setting.