Abstract
Quality management of medicines begins from the process of manufacturing until the storage and consumption of these medicines by the patient. Medication errors are preventable incidents of inappropriate use of medications by health personnel or by the patient. These events can occur at any stage of medication process but most commonly occur during the prescribing stage. Inappropriate homeopathic medication use, administration and storage may directly impact on the clinical effectiveness of the treatment prescribed. Numerous patient awareness and satisfaction surveys have been conducted at the UJ HHC to determine the level of patient satisfaction in terms of service provision. No previous studies have been conducted on patients’ awareness of homeopathic remedies with regard to administration and storage of dispensed medicines. This is an important aspect of patient management and treatment outcomes.
This research project involved a descriptive study survey design that was quantitative in nature. It was conducted at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Homeopathic Health Centre (HHC). Permission to conduct the research at the UJ HHC (Appendix A and B) was obtained from the head clinician and clinic manager. Once the relevant permission was granted, participants were invited to participate in the study by the researcher and provided with an information leaflet. This research survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire. Prospective participants, who were follow-up patients to the HHC, were approached directly after their consultation at the HHC, when they returned to the reception or waiting area. Patients who were willing to participate were requested to complete a consent form in a private area made available to them in the HHC. Once the consent form was completed, it took 8-10 minutes for participants to complete the questionnaire. Each completed questionnaire was anonymous and stored safely at the UJ HHC dispensary. The data was collected from the completed questionnaires. The researcher analysed the data using descriptive statistics. These findings were analysed and discussed further using comparative studies.
The results revealed that the typical participant was female (69,8%), between the age of 19-34 (34,9%), had visited the HHC between 2-3 times (39,7%), and was employed (27%) with the highest level of education being matric completed (34,9%). The typical
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main area of complaint was of musculoskeletal origin (20,2%) and of a chronic nature (55,6%). This study revealed that even though majority of patients responded that they had a complete understanding about homeopathy and its principles, there remains a general lack of knowledge relating to: how to consume the remedy, the most appropriate time to take the remedy, substances to avoid when taking the remedy, the best storage area for the remedy and how to discard the remedy if needed. Specific questions revealed that even though student interns at HHC explained how to take the remedies and patients stated that they understood, most patients took their remedies at the incorrect time and incorrect manner. Furthermore, patients were uncertain about what substances to avoid when taking their remedies and when to stop their remedies use. This highlights the importance of emphasizing dosage instructions and storage methods when dispensing medication. A small number of patients did not receive information leaflets with their medication.
In conclusion, patient awareness of homeopathic medicine administration and storage at the UJ HHC is currently not optimal and can be improved. Patient-centred care can be enhanced by improving the student interns’ dispensing methods in order to avoid medication errors. Patient education should be a focal point of the homeopathic consultation to improve patient awareness.