Lääkkeiden käyttäjien kokemukset lääkehoidon ongelmista ja näkemykset seurannan vastuista
Keywords:
drug-related problem, pharmacotherapy monitoring, responsibility, medicine userAbstract
The study investigated drug-related problems (DPRs) experienced by medicine users, factors associated with problems, and whether they had received help for their problems. Medicine users’ views on their own, physicians’ and pharmacists’ responsibilities in pharmacotherapy monitoring were also studied. An online survey was conducted via Kanta services in October 2021. The data was analysed using frequencies, logistic regression and content analysis.
There were 1687 respondents using prescription medicines. They had generally experienced DPRs. Age, place of residence, regular use of prescription medicines, pharmacotherapy monitoring implemented in healthcare and certain long-term illnesses were associated with experiencing DPRs. The most commonly experienced problems were adverse effects, insufficient effect and high costs. Under half of those who reported DPRs had received help from healthcare or pharmacy, most commonly advice or guidance. Medicine users felt the responsibility of their own and physicians to be significant in pharmacotherapy monitoring, but the role of pharmacists was perceived to be limited.
Healthcare policies and practices should be developed to better identify and solve DPRs. The processes for pharmacotherapy monitoring should be developed and the role of the pharmacy in monitoring strengthened. The awareness of medicine users about the responsibilities associated with pharmacotherapy monitoring and the role of pharmacy should be increased.
