Medication management in home care-The medication use process from the perspective of clients and their caregivers

Abstract

Professional home care nurses are often tasked with the medication management of older, polymedicated clients. The medication use process is often complex and prone to medication errors. From the perspective of professional caregivers, the interprofessional interfaces of care as well as the integration of clients and informal caregivers are amajor challenge. With this study, we explored the perspective of home care clients and their informal caregivers on the medication use process supported by professional caregivers with afocus on medication safety. We chose aqualitative research approach, using guideline-based interviews with eight clients and five caregivers. Data were analyzed applying the topical analysis according to Braun and Clarke. Before engaging professional home care nurses in the medication use process, clients reached their physical, psychological and social limits. They were relieved when the professional home care organization took care of the overall coordination of the medication use process and felt safe. They trust professional caregivers and see limited need to be preoccupied with medication safety themselves, despite risks inherent in self-medication, adherence and transition of care. Through the relief provided by professional caregivers, home care clients and their informal caregivers no longer perceive themselves as active partners in maintaining medication safety. Healthcare professionals should keep an eye on self-medication as well as adherence and support the use of the medication plan.