Medication Management in Home Health Care Occupational Therapy Practice

Abstract

Background: Many community-dwelling adults do not adhere to their medication regimen, which results in high rates of emergency department visits and subsequent hospital admissions. Occupational therapists, as members of the home health care team, provide medication management in the occupational therapy scope of practice. There is sparse information in the literature regarding occupational therapists’ involvement in medication management in home health care practice. Methods: The researchers interviewed nine occupational therapists practicing in home health care. Using a qualitative interpretive phenomenological study, the researchers explored the participants’ experiences addressing medication management. Results: The researchers identified three themes: professional reasoning, interprofessional involvement, and professional competence and confidence. The participants reported that they were addressing medication management in accordance with occupational therapy scope of practice; however, they did not feel confident because of their lack of knowledge about pharmacology. Conclusion: Preparing entry-level occupational therapy students and practicing occupational therapists with interprofessional education about medication management will improve occupational therapists’ competence and confidence. Occupational therapists who know their role in medication management and are well informed about medication can collaborate with the home health care team more effectively.

Keywords

• Home health care
• medication management
• occupational therapy