Drug use management in board and care facilities

The purpose of this study was to describe medication management in board and care facilities throughout Minnesota. A triangulation of data collection methods was used, including mail questionnaires (N = 98 facilities), telephone interviews (N = 64 facilities), and site visits (N = 15 facilities). Major issues examined included characteristics of board and care facilities, staffing, residents, and drug management systems. Results showed that staff in 86% of the board and care facilities surveyed provided medication storage, 83% gave medication reminders, and 69% administered medications to one or more residents. Site visits revealed a wide diversity in the characteristics of managers and their attitudes toward medication administration.