Thelin Sarah, Borgström Bolmsjö Beata, Caleres Gabriella, Mattsson Astrid, Craftman Åsa G, Midlöv Patrik, Modig Sara
Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
University Clinic Primary Care, Skåne University Hospital, Region Skåne, Sweden.
BMC Nurs. 2025 Jun 27;24(1):670. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-03416-y.
Insufficient knowledge among assistant nurses (ANs) in nursing homes (NHs) on medicines and drug-related problems (DRPs) in older people causes difficulties in acknowledging the side effects of medications, which can be harmful to the individual and endangers patient safety. The aim of this study was to explore the ANs' thoughts on their professional role in preventing DRPs in NH residents, their self-perceived knowledge about medicines, DRPs and physiological conditions in older people, and their wishes concerning further medical education.
This mixed methods study took place in Sweden, in 2022. First, a survey was conducted at nine NHs, with a total of 112 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and groups were compared using t-tests. Thereafter, semi-structured interviews were performed at four NHs and included 20 participants. A qualitative content analysis was performed.
In the survey, a generally good self-perceived knowledge of medicines was reported. In the interviews, three main categories were identified: "Professional role of the AN", "Perspectives on pharmacotherapy in older people" and "Approaches to knowledge". Their professional role entailed different aspects, including the central assignment of observing the residents whilst having delimited responsibilities and knowledge. Regarding pharmacotherapy, the self-perceived knowledge was generally good, but more specific questions regarding DRPs proved a lack of widespread competence. An approach to obtain more knowledge was found in the possibility for ANs to attend ward rounds. A latent theme emerged in the professional role of the AN in preventing DRPs by being the nurse's eyes and ears for patient safety.
The AN's perceived their professional role in preventing DRPs in NHs as being the nurse's eyes and ears for patient safety. Generally, the ANs' self-perceived knowledge of medicines was good, although self-perceived knowledge regarding DRPs, and the physiology of older people, was sparser. A positive attitude towards attending ward rounds to contribute firsthand information on the residents, as well as the opportunity to receive knowledge, existed among the respondents. We propose a working model within the framework of doctor's ward rounds at NHs to increase the knowledge of ANs and utilise their knowledge of patients' well-being for safe medication follow-up.
养老院助理护士（ANs）对老年人用药及药物相关问题（DRPs）知识不足，导致难以认识到药物的副作用，这可能对个人有害并危及患者安全。本研究的目的是探讨助理护士对其在预防养老院居民药物相关问题中的专业角色的看法、他们对药物、药物相关问题和老年人生理状况的自我认知，以及他们对进一步医学教育的期望。
这项混合方法研究于2022年在瑞典进行。首先，在9家养老院进行了一项调查，共有112名受访者。使用描述性统计分析数据，并使用t检验比较各组。此后，在4家养老院进行了半结构化访谈，包括20名参与者。进行了定性内容分析。
在调查中，报告显示对药物的自我认知总体良好。在访谈中，确定了三个主要类别：“助理护士的专业角色”、“对老年人药物治疗的看法”和“获取知识的途径”。他们的专业角色涉及不同方面，包括在职责和知识有限的情况下观察居民的核心任务。关于药物治疗，自我认知总体良好，但关于药物相关问题的更具体问题表明普遍缺乏相关能力。发现助理护士参加查房有可能获得更多知识。助理护士在预防药物相关问题中的专业角色中出现了一个潜在主题，即成为护士保障患者安全的耳目。
助理护士认为他们在养老院预防药物相关问题中的专业角色是成为护士保障患者安全的耳目。总体而言，助理护士对药物的自我认知良好，尽管对药物相关问题和老年人生理学的自我认知较为匮乏。受访者对参加查房以提供关于居民的第一手信息以及获得知识的机会持积极态度。我们提出了一个在养老院医生查房框架内的工作模式，以增加助理护士的知识，并利用他们对患者健康状况的了解进行安全的药物随访。
