[Program of drug information for patients discharged from the hospital]. / Programa de información de medicamentos para pacientes dados de alta en el hospital.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the introduction of a medicine information programme by the Pharmacy Service and to evaluate this programme, analysing the usefulness of the information supplied. SETTING: "12 de Octubre" University Hospital, Health Area 11, Madrid. PATIENTS Patients discharged by the Internal Medicine Service over a six-month period, with patients with HIV or palliative treatment being excluded. INTERVENTIONS: On their hospital discharge, patients were informed orally and in writing on the medicine's dosage, action and side-effects, as well as general considerations during treatment. After 30 days the patients concerned were polled by telephone. RESULTS: Information was supplied to 163 patients. The average number of medicines prescribed on discharge was 4.6. Average age was 65 +/- 15 years. 141 patients were interviewed. 8.5% did not answer the telephone interview. 90.8% consulted the written information received and 10% had difficulty in understanding them. 77% wished to receive oral and written information. 95% found the information useful. When questioned on the number of medicines they took, 88.6% of the patients gave a reply which coincided with the medicines prescribed on discharge. 88.4% understood the indication of the treatment and 35% remembered the commercial names. 93% knew the intervals between doses and 76% knew what to do if they forgot a dose. CONCLUSIONS: In the group of patients under study, a high demand for information on medication was identified. The great majority considered useful the information provided by the Pharmacy Service.