The medication role of informal carers
| Autor: | Ruth Goldstein, Peter Rivers |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2007 |
| Předmět: |
Sociology and Political Science
Mental ability business.industry health care facilities manpower and services Health Policy Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health social sciences Affect (psychology) humanities Medical services Pharmaceutical care Nursing Work (electrical) Informal carer Medicine Dependant business human activities health care economics and organizations Social Sciences (miscellaneous) Qualitative research |
| Zdroj: | Health & Social Care in the Community. 4:150-158 |
| ISSN: | 0966-0410 |
| Popis: | A qualitative study was undertaken to determine the role that informal carers perform with respect to dependants' medication. The objectives of the study were to understand the nature of medication-related assistance provided by informal carers and to identify any problems they encounter with this role. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 informal carers who were known to provide medication-related assistance. Three group discussions were held with informal carers attending a local selfhelp group. Results from the study indicate that informal carers often provide support with all aspects of medication management including obtaining supplies, administering medication and monitoring effects. Other informal carers keep an eye on their dependant's medication but are not involved in the day-to-day management. The amount of support provided is influenced by the carer's and dependant's physical and mental ability. Furthermore, carers' commitments, such as family and work, and their relationship with the dependant will also affect the level of support they provide. A lack of medication-related knowledge, and an inability to access some of the pharmaceutical and medical services available, result in carers experiencing additional difficulties in fulfilling their role. More attention should be paid to the practicalities of managing medication. Furthermore, the needs of carers should be considered alongside those of the patient when developing pharmaceutical services. Such a philosophy would be in line with the provision of Community Care which advocates the development of services which are sensitive to carers as well as to dependants. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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