A qualitative exploration of the experiences of doctors, nurses and pharmacists regarding medication management in outpatient setting

Abstract

Aim To understand how the medications are managed by the multidisciplinary team and their suggestions for nursing management, and to develop a framework for safe medication management in hospital‐based outpatient. Background More than 80% of hospital‐based outpatient visits involve medication prescriptions, indicating the importance of safe medication management there. Methods This was a qualitative study with face‐to‐face interviews with physicians, nurses and pharmacists from 11 medical outpatient units. Results Four themes elicited were categorized as follows: unclear professional roles and functions in outpatient medication management; intertwined communications; moving from data to wisdom; and ambiguous culture of safety. The resulting model is a collaboration of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and patients and families integrated with hospital administrative support and information technology in a culture of safety. Conclusions Medication management in outpatient is critical but usually overlooked. Nursing leaders should develop a culture of safety and provide more support and training for nurses to provide comprehensive medication management for outpatients. Implications for Nursing Management It is important to develop outpatient nurses' role and competence in managing patient medication safety. Nurses in management would benefit from applying the 'framework of efficient and safe medication management for outpatients' to assess and identify weak areas for improvement.

Nurses’ Experiences of Providing Pain Management to Pediatric Patients in Indonesia

“…Previous study found that the role and function of nurses in medication was unclear, made them inferior toward physician. 41 Giving suggestions or correcting pain medication when it is wrong and is one of the solutions to enhance patient safety 42 as a part of nurses' role in medication management. 43 Interprofessional collaboration between nurses and physicians will go well when the role of each profession is clear 44 and tasks and professional responsibilities are defined.…”