Medication Management Problems and Associated Factors among Psychiatric Patients under Pharmacy Home Care Services (PHCS) at Government Hospitals in West Malaysia

Introduction Proper home medication management is important in improving medication adherence, preserving drug efficacy and ensuring safe medication practices, which is crucial to establish positive treatment outcomes. However, no published studies are available on home medication management among psychiatric patients. Therefore this study aimed to identify home medication management problems and factors influencing these problems among psychiatric patients.   

Methodology This was a multicentre cross-sectional study conducted among psychiatric patients under Pharmacy Home Care Services (PHCS) in six government hospitals. Data was extracted from the PHCS form used for each visit as per protocol published by the Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia. A minimum sample size of 169 was needed. Proportional random sampling was applied.   

Results A total of 205 home visits were conducted with 229 home medication management problems identified; inappropriate medication storage and lack of medication administration schedule topped the list. Inappropriate medication storage was significantly associated with low income [AOR=4.34 (95%CI 1.17:15.98), p=0.027], alcohol consumption [AOR=14.26 (95%CI 1.82:111.38), p=0.011], poor insight [AOR=2.34 (95%CI 1.08:5.06), p=0.030] and part-time HCPS [AOR=2.60 (95%CI 1.20:5.67), p=0.016]. Lack of administration schedule was significantly associated with low income [AOR=6.90 (95%CI 1.46:32.48), p=0.014], smoking [AOR=2.43 (95%CI 1.20:4.92), p=0.013], poor insight [AOR=5.32 (95%CI 2.45:11.56), p<0.05] and part-time HCPS [AOR=2.96 (95%CI 1.42:6.15), p=0.004].  

Conclusion In conclusion, inappropriate medication storage and lack of medication administration schedule is common among psychiatric patients. This study also highlighted the need to fully utilise PHCS to improve disease insight and home medication management among psychiatric patients.    

[Disclaimer: Abstract text might vary slightly from what is displayed in the e-poster]