title: Evaluation of Medication-related Self-care Skills in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND:As the life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) increases, the focus on ensuring success with medication therapies is increasingly important. The ability of patients to autonomously manage medications and related therapies is poorly described in the literature.OBJECTIVE:The goal of this project was to assess the level of medication-related knowledge and self-care skills in patients with CF.METHODS:This project took place in a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation accredited affiliate center. Eighty-nine patients between the ages of 6 and 60 were eligible to participate based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pharmacists administered a 16-item questionnaire and detailed medication history during clinic visits from January through May 2014.RESULTS:Forty-five patients 6 to 41 years old participated in the study. The skills most often performed independently were preparing nebulizer treatments (85%) and telling someone if they feel their medicines are causing a problem (89%). Skills least often performed were carrying a medication list (82%) and bringing a medication list to appointments (76%). In respondents 21 years of age and older, less than 75% of respondents were involved with obtaining financial resources, maintaining equipment, carrying a medication list, or rinsing their mouth after using inhaled medicines. Participants were able to provide drug name, dose, and frequency of use for pancreatic enzymes and azithromycin 37% and 24% of the time, respectively.CONCLUSIONS:In the population surveyed, many medication-related skills had not been acquired by early adulthood. Assessing and providing education for medication-related self-care skills at all ages are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Kelsey Lackey
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, The Children's Hospital at Saint Francis, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
authors.forename: Barnabas
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: John
authors.affiliation: Professor and Department Chair, Department of Pharmacy: Clinical and Administrative Sciences-Tulsa, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy; Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Condren
authors.affiliation: University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
authors.forename: Sandra M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Carter
keywords: cystic fibrosis; patient advocacy; quality improvement; self efficacy; self-care