Clinical and scientific letters: Self-administration of medicines by inpatients: Are we making any progress?

摘要

The central theme of the NHS plan is to empower patients to take an active role in the management of their conditions. Self-administration of medications (SAM) by patients in hospital improves compliance and comfort, and empowers patients as they are actively involved in their care. The Audit Commission report in 2001 had shown variability in the uptake of self-administration policies in different NHS trusts. The Healthcare Commission's review on medicines management in hospitals in 2005/2006 showed that only 19.5% of the eligible wards actually offered it.