Initiating Self-Administration of Medicines for inpatients with cystic fibrosis.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) take a multitude of therapies at home. Self-Administration of Medicines (SAM) is a scheme whereby the parent/carer and/or older child keep control of their own medicines in hospital. We initiated a scheme and assessed drug errors, cost implications, and parent and nurse satisfaction. METHODS: Following a pilot stage, the SAM protocol was initiated and amended as necessary. Drug errors were analysed from the Datix hospital electronic reporting system. Cost analysis of use of the patents own drugs was carried out. Questionnaires were given to parents and nursing staff. RESULTS: In the initial 10 months, 97 children had 159 admissions, and 60% were deemed suitable for SAM. Drug errors still occurred-33 in 5 years. Cost savings for the hospital over 1 year were £20 022 for 123 admissions. Patient/parent satisfaction was high, and all wished to partake in SAM for further admissions. CONCLUSIONS: The scheme was a success although it took 3 years to bring to fruition. Drug errors still occurred but we were able to amend the protocol appropriately to react to these. Cost savings are an incidental benefit from use of patient's own medication. The SAM scheme is applicable to all children with chronic disease on long term medications when they are in hospital.