Aim and objectives:
To ensure correct drug use and effective treatment results for hospital in-patients who are prescribed medication.
Target group:
All patients, including children (and their parents) undergoing treatment.
Method:
After being examined, a physician may prescribe medication which must be followed by the patient. Patients are therefore directed to the “Unit of Patient Education for Medicine Use” where nurses work under the supervision of a pharmacist. The Unit, which is located in the centre of the hospital for easy access, teaches patients how to use their medicines. Patients with chronic illnesses are incentivised to visit the Unit because they may be issued with a ‘medication report’ by a specialist physician which allows for medicines to be prescribed by a family doctor, thereby helping to reduce the number of hospital visits.
Outcome:
- improved patient health outcomes;
- reduced possible side effects due to incorrect drug use;
- reduced emergency service admissions, hospitalisations and repeated applications.
Added value:
The correct use of medication reduces health costs and improves patient outcomes.
