Improving patient knowledge of discharge medications in an oncology setting.
Discharge medications for a patient with cancer typically are numerous and complex. During the transition between inpatient stays and ambulatory follow-up visits, patients commonly misunderstand medication instructions, placing them at risk for under- or overdosing. This column discusses the results of an evidence-based practice change project at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to improve adult patient knowledge and use of discharge medications. Ensuring patient receipt of written discharge medication instructions and checking in with patients after discharge may be an approach to maximize the safety of self-administered medication.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.
Donna L
DL
Berry
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington Medical Center.
Terri
T
Cunningham
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
Seth
S
Eisenberg
University of Washington Medical Center.
Mihkaila
M
Wickline
College of Nursing, New York University in New York.
Marilyn
M
Hammer
Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco.
Carolina
C
Berg
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D014861:Washington
D055553:Prescription Drugs
discharge planning; medication adherence; patient education