Beyond risk: vulnerability of patients using medications, from the perspective of healthcare professional

Abstract

Introduction: The concepts of risk and vulnerability have been discussed in the healthcare field and represent different approaches in the process of care, with an important amount of interventions that included drug prescriptions and treatments. Objectives: To analyzethe healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the concepts of risk and vulnerability and their influence on Medication Use Process. Methods: Data were collected in an academictertiary hospital, from a focus group conducted with healthcare professionals who are active in diverse settings of care. The meeting was recorded, audio statements weretranscribed and coded, and the content was organized and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Three physicians, 2 nurses and 2 pharmacists participated in the study. The findings suggest that there is a continuum between both concepts, with vulnerability preceding risk: each individual has its own range of vulnerability prior to the drug administration, being risk inherent to the drug utilization process. Conclusions: According to the research subjects, reducing vulnerability can potentially prevent additional drug therapy problems development: the patient has to be the focus of the medication use process, not only the drug and its risk.