IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE: PATIENT PROFILES AND SATISFACTION IN HOME MEDICATION DELIVERY SERVICES
European Statement
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Author(s)
Sánchez Cerviño, AC; Rivera Ruiz, María; Sanabrias Fernández de Sevilla, R; Menchén Viso, B; Folguera Olias, C; López Fernández, A; Pérez García, E; Martín Santamaría, A; Guerrero Feria, I; Sánchez Guerrero, A.
Why was it done?
Informed medication delivery at home, managed by the Hospital Pharmacy Service and facilitated by information technologies, aims to improve access to medication and enhance patients’ quality of life by avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital. Although it incurs additional costs, it is essential to carefully select and prioritize candidates for this service.
What was done?
1. Analyze the profile of patients requesting medication delivery to establish priority criteria.
2. Evaluate patient satisfaction with this service in a tertiary care hospital.
How was it done?
An observational, retrospective, non-interventional, descriptive study was conducted on patients receiving medication delivery at home for two months upon their request.
Information was collected from electronic medical records and prescription systems, recording gender, age, underlying conditions, prescribed medications, and employment status.
Patient satisfaction with the service was also evaluated, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed.
What has been achieved?
During the study, medication was delivered to 443 patients (55.1% women) with a mean age of 57.3 years. Central nervous system disorders accounted for 16.0% of deliveries, followed by rheumatological diseases (15.1%) and oncohematological patients (9.3%).
Specifically, patients with multiple sclerosis represented the highest demand for this service (12.9%), due to mobility limitations. Additionally, medication was sent to patients with HIV (6.1%), attributable to stigma-related issues.
Analyzing patients’ employment status, 61.2% were pensioners (retired or with permanent disability).
Satisfaction assessment was conducted with 122 patients, who rated the service with an average score of 6.9 out of 10.
What next?
The results indicate that most patients utilizing informed medication delivery at home face difficulties traveling to the hospital. These patients often have disabilities, reduced mobility, or are unable to attend the hospital due to age, work-life balance, or family responsibilities, demonstrating an acceptable level of satisfaction. This patient profile should be prioritized for informed medication delivery services.