Research Project Addresses Patient Knowledge of Prescribed Medications

• A research study aims to determine if patients understood the medications that were prescribed to them.  
• Initial results included patients who knew the medication’s name but not its purpose or the correct dosage.  
• Using a prescription card encouraged patients in the study to learn more about their medications. 

A recent research project I chose to undertake aimed to ascertain whether patients presenting to the emergency department knew about the medications prescribed to them and whether a medication reminder card would assist them in increasing their ownership of their drugs (and promoting better communication with their healthcare providers).  

The project’s results revealed that using medication cards was instrumental in helping patients take more initiative in administering daily medications. Here’s how I came to that conclusion. 

Deciding to Research Prescribed Medication Knowledge

I greeted patients presenting to the ED and asked about any allergies and medications they were taking daily. I was amazed and disheartened to see that many patients had no idea of certain aspects of their medications. Several knew the name of the drug they were prescribed but did not know the reason for taking it. Others knew, for example, that they were told they had high cholesterol and took a blue pill but did not know the name or correct dosage of the medication.

Still others stated that they took this pill because their doctor said they needed it but did not know the correct administration time. They just took it when they remembered. I found this to be very frustrating, and I heard it repeatedly. I discussed this with my manager and said I would love to research this issue. I brought this up with the hospital research nurse, who was invaluable to me and supported my idea for the study.  

Process of the Research Project

I started my research study immediately when I was in the triage area. I explained the study to patients and why this was a critical issue. I was delighted to get a positive response from the patients. Many agreed to participate in my research and admitted they did not remember the names of the prescribed medications, when to take them, why they were taking them, and what side effects might occur. One response I received repeatedly was that they were told to take the medications but did not get into the specifics about the drugs themselves.  

The study lasted approximately five months, and about 20 patients signed up for the study itself. Within three days of enrollment, subjects received a letter via mail along with a medication card and medication sheets about their prescribed drugs. The cards were given to them so they could write down their medications, dosages, time for administration, and what medicines were used.  

Subjects were called, using a prepared script, 10 days after their ED visit to inquire about the completion of the medication card. A second call was placed to those subjects who lacked the knowledge to complete the card. A letter was sent to the patients’ healthcare providers, informing them of participation in my study, their level of understanding, and a copy of the medication card I provided.   

The letter also suggested that the physicians make a copy of the medication card at the next visit and make a concerted effort to help the patient keep the card updated. That would entail reviewing all medications on the card and ensuring sure all information was correct if a drug was renewed, stopped or dosage changed. Four months after the study was initiated, a call was placed to the healthcare providers of study patients to inquire about their patient’s use of the medication card and if it was presented at their next office visit.  

The Bottom Line

The outcome of this study proved to be positive, it encouraged patients to know more about the medications they take when presenting in triage in the ED. If patients are more knowledgeable about their medications, there is a less likely chance of side effects and medication errors. Education is the key to assisting patients to achieve successful medication administration. 

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