Abstract

BACKGROUND
Patients with dysphagia are more likely to suffer medication administration errors than those without swallowing difficulties.
AIM
To evaluate the use of individualised medication administration guides (I-MAGs) for patients with dysphagia on one stroke ward over six months.
METHOD
A specialist pharmacist in dysphagia designed a software package supported with data on national guidelines on administering medicines to this group, which enabled the pharmacist to create I-MAGs. Once the pilot was completed, a questionnaire was given to all nurses, pharmacists and speech and language therapists who had used the guides.
RESULTS
Of 26 health professionals approached, 19 returned questionnaires. Eight (62%) nurses felt more confident in their practice when I-MAGs were in place.
CONCLUSION
I-MAGs were well received and supported individualised care. However, they needed additional pharmacist input and greater nursing time. Research to determine the guides' cost-effectiveness is needed.

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Authors

Santos JM, Poland F, Kelly J, Wright DJ

Institution

University of East Anglia.

Source

Nursing times 108:21 pg 15-7

MeSH

Deglutition Disorders
Education, Nursing, Continuing
Great Britain
Humans
Nursing Staff, Hospital
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Questionnaires

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22774364