Health professionals’ experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients’ medication information in Norway: cross-sectional survey
Abstract Background Access to correct and up to date medication information is crucial for effective patient treatment. However, persistent discrepancies exist. This study examines the experiences and challenges health professionals encounter while utilizing current digital solutions in the Norwegia...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10485-9 |
| _version_ | 1797199522553659392 |
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| author | Bo Wang Unn Sollid Manskow |
| author_facet | Bo Wang Unn Sollid Manskow |
| author_sort | Bo Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Access to correct and up to date medication information is crucial for effective patient treatment. However, persistent discrepancies exist. This study examines the experiences and challenges health professionals encounter while utilizing current digital solutions in the Norwegian healthcare system to manage patients' medication information. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive analysis using quantitative survey data was conducted to investigate how health professionals managed patients’ medication information. Content analysis was used to analyze free-text responses concerning challenges they encountered when transferring medication information and to identify factors deemed necessary for implementing the Shared Medication List in Norway. Results A total of 262 doctors and 244 nurses responded to the survey. A higher percentage of doctors (72.2%) expressed concerns regarding obtaining accurate and updated medication lists than nurses (42.9%), particularly for patients with polypharmacy (35.3%) or transitioning between primary and specialist care services (27.6%). The patient's verbal information was the main source for hospital doctors (17%) to obtain an overview of the patient’s medication usage, while general practitioners (19%) and nurses (working in both primary and specialist care services, 28% and 27% respectively) predominantly relied on electronic prescriptions. Doctors, in particular general practitioners, reported carrying excessive responsibilities in coordinating with other health actors (84.8%) and managing patients' medication information. The vast majority of both doctors (84.4%) and nurses (82.0%) were in favor of a Shared Medication List. However, about a third of doctors (36.3%) and nurses (29.8%) expressed the need for a more balanced responsibility in updating and managing patients' medication information, while ensuring compatibility with existing digital systems. Conclusions Fragmented resources for medication information and unclear responsibilities were prevalent concerns among both professional groups. Doctors voiced more concern than nurses about the accuracy of patients’ medication list. While both groups are positive about a shared medication list, successful implementation requires proactive training initiatives and clearer role clarification. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T14:17:53Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-19df5c22b58844be874f3398169233db |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6963 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T07:17:06Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Health Services Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-19df5c22b58844be874f3398169233db2024-04-21T11:13:19ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632024-01-0124111310.1186/s12913-023-10485-9Health professionals’ experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients’ medication information in Norway: cross-sectional surveyBo Wang0Unn Sollid Manskow1Norwegian Centre for E-Health Research, University Hospital of North NorwayNorwegian Centre for E-Health Research, University Hospital of North NorwayAbstract Background Access to correct and up to date medication information is crucial for effective patient treatment. However, persistent discrepancies exist. This study examines the experiences and challenges health professionals encounter while utilizing current digital solutions in the Norwegian healthcare system to manage patients' medication information. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive analysis using quantitative survey data was conducted to investigate how health professionals managed patients’ medication information. Content analysis was used to analyze free-text responses concerning challenges they encountered when transferring medication information and to identify factors deemed necessary for implementing the Shared Medication List in Norway. Results A total of 262 doctors and 244 nurses responded to the survey. A higher percentage of doctors (72.2%) expressed concerns regarding obtaining accurate and updated medication lists than nurses (42.9%), particularly for patients with polypharmacy (35.3%) or transitioning between primary and specialist care services (27.6%). The patient's verbal information was the main source for hospital doctors (17%) to obtain an overview of the patient’s medication usage, while general practitioners (19%) and nurses (working in both primary and specialist care services, 28% and 27% respectively) predominantly relied on electronic prescriptions. Doctors, in particular general practitioners, reported carrying excessive responsibilities in coordinating with other health actors (84.8%) and managing patients' medication information. The vast majority of both doctors (84.4%) and nurses (82.0%) were in favor of a Shared Medication List. However, about a third of doctors (36.3%) and nurses (29.8%) expressed the need for a more balanced responsibility in updating and managing patients' medication information, while ensuring compatibility with existing digital systems. Conclusions Fragmented resources for medication information and unclear responsibilities were prevalent concerns among both professional groups. Doctors voiced more concern than nurses about the accuracy of patients’ medication list. While both groups are positive about a shared medication list, successful implementation requires proactive training initiatives and clearer role clarification.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10485-9Medication informationMedication reconciliatione-medicines managementShared Medication ListsHealth professionalsPolypharmacy |
| spellingShingle | Bo Wang Unn Sollid Manskow Health professionals’ experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients’ medication information in Norway: cross-sectional survey BMC Health Services Research Medication information Medication reconciliation e-medicines management Shared Medication Lists Health professionals Polypharmacy |
| title | Health professionals’ experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients’ medication information in Norway: cross-sectional survey |
| title_full | Health professionals’ experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients’ medication information in Norway: cross-sectional survey |
| title_fullStr | Health professionals’ experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients’ medication information in Norway: cross-sectional survey |
| title_full_unstemmed | Health professionals’ experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients’ medication information in Norway: cross-sectional survey |
| title_short | Health professionals’ experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients’ medication information in Norway: cross-sectional survey |
| title_sort | health professionals experience and perceived obstacles with managing patients medication information in norway cross sectional survey |
| topic | Medication information Medication reconciliation e-medicines management Shared Medication Lists Health professionals Polypharmacy |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10485-9 |
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