Administration of medication in the acute mental health ward: Perspective of nurses and patients

The administration of medication is an important therapeutic intervention. However, concerns have been raised about the management of this procedure in the acute area. Therefore, a survey was conducted with registered nurses (n = 24) and patients (n = 57) from three acute admission wards in an inner city hospital in the north west of England. Semistructured interviews were conducted immediately following medication administration and then analyzed using thematic analysis. Nurses' views were categorized into three themes: ward environment, communication, and sharing of information. Nurses reported that policies and procedures provided clear guidance, but that the task remained stressful and the role of other professionals affected the integrity of the procedure. Patients' views were categorized into four themes: effects and side-effects of medication, the process of administration, therapeutic relationships, and the sharing of information. Most patients were accepting of the administration of their medication, but called for improvements in information sharing and side-effect management. Information sharing is pivotal in establishing therapeutic relationships, but the time of administration might not be the most appropriate occasion for this. © 2010 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.