Patients' perceptions of drug dispensing in a rheumatological in‐patient unit

The dispensing of drugs in medical care systems is, in most countries, strictly regulated, and nurses are responsible for distributing drugs to in‐patients. Aim: To describe the perceptions of patients with rheumatic diseases regarding traditional drug dispensing during in‐patient care and rehabilitation in a specialized rheumatological care unit. Method: Twenty in‐patients who stayed in the Spenshult Hospital unit for 3–4 weeks and who were on continuous medication were chosen for the study. The phenomenographic approach was used for the collection and analysis of data. Findings: Three descriptive categories emerged – Relief, Active Participation and Dependence. These descriptive categories comprised: three perceptions for Relief (to experience security, to be ‘served’, to dare to bother), two for Active Participation (to rely on one's own ability, to search for knowledge) and two for Dependence (lack of independence, lack of information). Conclusion: The patients experienced relief due to the nurse assuming responsibility for the medication and its dispensation. Patients expressed a wish to be more active in the management of their medication, as they trusted their own ability. The patients articulated that they were dependent on the nurse to give them the correct medication and they also asked for more information about their medication. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.