Effectiveness of a Combined Drug Self-Administration and Patient Teaching Program

Abstract

A study of the effectiveness of a drug self-administration and patient teaching program for semi-acute care patients is outlined. Three general programs were available for the administration of medications: the monitored self-administration (MSA) program, the self-administration (SA) program, and the nurse-administered (NA) unit dose program. Criteria for the selection of patients for drug self-administration and guidelines for the preparation of patient instructions are suggested. Drug self-administration and drug counseling by a pharmacist significantly improved the patient's knowledge of drug names, of optimum times to take their medications, of common side effects and special instructions, and of adverse or allergic drug reactions.