2005 Edition Report on Drug Administration Procedure & Practices ...

ApprovedCOC(N) Paper 2/2000Guidelines on Patient Self Medication(For General Patients)IntroductionThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the guidelines on the implementation ofpatient self medication.Background2. Patient self-medication has been introduced in UCH for post-partum women andpatients with chronic renal failure since 1998. With positive results in drug compliance, medicationknowledge of patients, staff job satisfaction and cost saving presented at the OBEM(N) in August1998, hospitals were encouraged to implement this practice.3. To facilitate the implementation of patient self-medication in hospitals, COC(N) hasdecided to establish guidelines to carrying out this program in collaboration with ChiefPharmacist’s Office. A task group was then formed in May 1999 to develop the guidelines.Definition4. Patient self-medication program is a program in which patients are educated andgiven the responsibility to manage and take their prescribed medication when in hospital ordischarged home.Objectives5. The objectives of the guidelines are :5.1 To heighten/maximise patient’s self-care ability5.2 To enhance patient’s drug knowledge and proper handling of medications5.3 To improve medication complianceCriteria for Selection6. The selective criteria of patients are :6.1 Willingness to participate in self-medication program6.2 Ability to perform self-care, comprehensive with sound mind6.3 Ability to communicate and understand medication instructions6.4 Undisturbed by mental symptoms6.5 No detectable suicidal tendency6.6 Stabilised medication regime6.7 Inclination to seek information in pursuit of better health1