Consumer perspectives of medication-related problems following discharge from hospital in Australia: a quantitative study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the consumer's perspectives and experiences regarding medication related problems (MRPs) following discharge from hospital.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online 80-question survey.


METHODS
Survey participants were recruited through an online market research company.


METHODS
Five hundred and six participants completed the survey. Participants were included if they were aged 50 years or older, taking 5 or more prescription medicines, had been admitted to hospital with a minimum stay of 24 h, admitted to hospital within the last 4 months and discharged from hospital within the last 1 month.


METHODS
The survey comprised questions measuring: health literacy, health status, medication safety (measured by reported MRPs), missed dose(s), role of health professionals, health services and cost, and socio-demographic status. Descriptive and univariate statistics and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the predictors of experiencing MRPs.


RESULTS
Four main risk factors of MRPs emerged as significant: health literacy (P < 0.05), health status (P < 0.05), consumer engagement (P < 0.05) and cost of medicines (P = 0.001). Participants reporting a lack of perceived control over their medicines (OR 6.3; 95% CI: 3.4-11.8) or those who played less of a role in follow-up discussions with their healthcare professionals (OR 7.6; 95% CI: 1.3-45.7) were more likely to experience a self-reported MRP.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides insight into consumers' experiences and perceptions of self-reported MRPs following hospital discharge. Results highlight novel findings demonstrating the importance of consumer engagement in developing processes to ensure medication safety on patient discharge.
Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Daniela
D
Eassey
Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Lorraine
L
Smith
Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Ines
I
Krass
Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Andrew
A
McLAchlan
Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Jo-Anne
JA
Brien
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010358:Patient Participation; D019338:Polypharmacy; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011306:Prescription Fees; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D055553:Prescription Drugs
drug errors; patient safety; patient-centred; quantitative research; surveys