A Tool to Ensure Appropriate Drug Use and Maintain Patient Safety When Administering Pro Re Nata Medications: Healthcare Providers’ Experiences With Medicine Lists in Sheltered Housing for Older People

Abstract

Residents living in sheltered housing may need assistance with the administration of medications, including medications used as needed. Healthcare providers can then administer medications based on the resident’s medication list. The aim of this study is to expand our understanding of how healthcare providers utilize medication lists in managing pro re nata medications. Based on a secondary analysis of qualitative data, we found that medication lists are important tools to ensure appropriate medication use, and to maintain patient safety in sheltered housing. The results show that the interviewees expected updated and unambiguous medication lists in order to safeguard uniform practice, and maintain confidence in the administration of pro re nata medications. However, they often experienced ambiguous medication lists, putting a strain on quality of care. To manage updated medication lists and provide safe administration of pro re nata medications, the interviewees asked for closer collaboration with general practitioners, in which case medication reviews could be a solution.