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Patients' Attitudes to Discharge Medications Supplied under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Author(s) -
Bortoletto Diana A,
Swan Bryson J,
Weeks Greg R
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/jppr2004344288
Subject(s) - medicine , pharmaceutical benefits scheme , hospital discharge , patient discharge , emergency medicine , medical emergency , intensive care medicine , medline , medical prescription , pharmacology , political science , law
Aim: To assess patients' attitudes to discharge medications supplied under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Method: Patients who received discharge medications from The Geelong Hospital, Victoria between February and June 2003, and also in 2001 prior to the introduction of the PBS were surveyed. Demographic data and information on discharge medications and admitting specialities was collected from computer records of dispensing and patient information. Suitable patients were sent a reply‐paid questionnaire that assessed their attitudes towards the PBS and previous discharge systems. Results: 180 patients returned the questionnaire. 79% either strongly agreed or agreed that the quantity of medications supplied under the PBS system was convenient compared to 63% for the ‘5‐day supply’ system. In a direct comparison between the two systems, 68% preferred the PBS. Only 24% had been informed of the possible cost of discharge medications prior to admission. Nonetheless, 69% either strongly agreed or agreed that paying for discharge medications was appropriate. Conclusion: Discharge medications supplied under the PBS system was positively accepted by patients. J Pharm Pract Res 2004; 34: 288–9.