Monitored Dosage Systems and potential patient harm
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of the nature and number of incidents of harm, interventions and drug related problems associated with Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS) use within four Care of the Elderly wards in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT).
IRAS ID
277651
Contact name
Leeanne stewart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, days
Research summary
Many patients have their medications put into “Blister Packs” by their local pharmacy. “Blister Packs” are also known as Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS), and are plastic containers, which hold one week’s supply of one or more medicines. Hospitals generally do not supply medicines in “Blister Packs” but instead supply take home medication in original packs. When managed well, “Blister Packs” are of benefit to patients, but if a patient normally uses a “Blister Pack” at home, and changes have been made to their medication in hospital, there is the risk that incorrect medication could be taken if it is still in a “Blister Pack” at home.
This study will be carried out in four Care of Elderly wards in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT). There are three main objectives of this study will be
•To look at how patients or carers manage medicines using a blister pack and this will involve having informal interviews with patients or carers whilst the patient is an inpatient.
•To assess the interventions taken by secondary care to ensure that blister packs are managed safely for patients particularly on discharge when treatment regimens often change.
•To study potential drug related problems associated with blister pack use.
The overall aim is to identify what key issues could be explored to possibly make things work better or highlight what works best when “Blister Packs” are being used.REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
20/NI/0093
Date of REC Opinion
27 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion