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Do we provide patients with sufficient information for the safe use of thermolabile medicines?

European Statement

Clinical Pharmacy Services

Author(s)

Miguel Angel Carvajal-Sanchez, Josefa Leon-Villar, Pilar Pacheco-Lopez, Javier Ibañez-Caturla, Paula Torrano-Belmonte, Lydia Fructuoso-Gonzalez, Juan Antonio Gutierrez-Sanchez, Maria Hernandez-Sanchez

Why was it done?

In recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in the number of thermolabile pharmaceutical specialities, which makes it necessary to keep strict control of the storage temperature from manufacture to administration.

In this context, patient education is a fundamental step in ensuring that these medicines are administered effectively and safely.

What was done?

A study was carried out to determine the quality of the information provided by Hospital Pharmacy Service (HPS) professionals to patients regarding the storage of thermolabile medicines (TM) at home.

After analysing the variability of the results, we established in a protocolised manner the necessary and sufficient information items to be included in the pharmaceutical advice to patients regarding the storage of this type of medicines.

How was it done?

A random selection of 28 HPS professionals (13 nurses, 10 specialist pharmacists and 5 resident pharmacists) was made. Each participant, in isolation and individually, made a selection of criteria to be contained in the patient information regarding the transport and storage of TM.

The results obtained were:

General information:

o Informing that it is a TM: 89.28%.

o Telephone number for incidents: 10.71%.

o Keep out of the reach of children: 3.57%.

o Return if discontinuation of treatment: 3.57%.

Storage:

o Specify location in refrigerator: door/indoor distinction 28.57%; Avoid contact with walls: 28.57%; specific place in refrigerator 3.57%.

o Do not store next to food: 17.85%.

o Refrigerator/freezer distinction: 10.71%.

Transport:

o Recommendations for correct transport: 50%.

o Time elapsed from dispensing to refrigerator storage: 39.29%.

Administration:

o Tempering prior to administration (when necessary): 39.28%.

o Visual inspection: 7.14%.

o Check expiry date: 7.14%.

o Frecuency of administration: 3.57%.

What has been achieved?

Completion, standardisation and systematisation of the provision of information to patients on TM.

What next?

Training sessions will be given to all HPS professionals involved, including new recruits and pharmacy assistants. This is an initiative applicable to all HPS.

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