Support needs of supply nurses in rural and remote Queensland.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report is to discuss a needs analysis conducted with rural and remote nurses in Queensland undertaking supply of medications in public hospitals without a pharmacist.


METHODS
Survey questionnaire.


METHODS
A questionnaire was faxed to 65 Queensland Health rural and remote hospitals using supply nurses. It contained six closed questions regarding previously identified medication 'supply' issues, and three open questions to determine additional information.


RESULTS
Of the surveys, 42 (65%) were returned. Major areas of interest included a safety checklist for medication supply (90%, 38/42), more information on medication labelling requirements (83%, 35/42) and timing of medications with regard to food (86%, 36/42). Requirements for patient counselling, increased access to consumer medication information (CMI) (76%, 32/42), and resources regarding doses, indications, interactions and adverse effects also rated highly (73%, 31/42). Thirty-three supply nurses highlighted at least one issue in the open questions: more information on the legal requirements of repackaging medications (39%, 13/42), increased access to CMI and counselling tools (36%, 12/42) and an efficient stock control system (30%, 10/42).


CONCLUSIONS
This report highlights the need to broaden current support services available to nurses undertaking the supply of medications. It is vital that support programs, and the laws and guidelines related to supplying medications in rural and remote hospitals, support health care professionals providing quality use of medicines (QUM) and reflect the realities of rural and remote health care.
Fiore
Steven
S
School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland.
Souzani
Sanam
S
D'Amore
Rita
R
Behan
Kieran
K
Cutts
Christopher
C
La Caze
Adam
A
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004346:Drug Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011793:Queensland; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*