Patient engagement in admission and discharge medication communication: a systematic mixed studies review

OBJECTIVES: To synthesise peer-reviewed research evidence concerning patients' perceptions of how they engage in admission and discharge medication communication, and barriers and enablers to engagement in medication admission and discharge communication. DESIGN: A systematic mixed studies review. DATA SOURCES: Two search strategies were undertaken including a bibliographic database search, followed by citation tracking. Fifteen studies were included in this review. REVIEW METHODS: Study selection and quality appraisal were undertaken independently by two reviewers. One reviewer extracted data and synthesised findings, with input from team members to check the accuracy or confirm/question findings. RESULTS: Three themes were found during data synthesis. In the first theme 'desiring and enacting a range of levels of engagement', patients displayed medication communication by taking responsibility for sharing accurate medication information, and by seeking out different choices during communication. The second theme 'enabling patients' medication communication' uncovered various strategies to promote patients' medication communication, including informing and empowering patients, and encouraging family involvement. The final theme, 'barriers to undertaking medication communication' included challenges enacting two-way information sharing and patients' preference. CONCLUSIONS: Patients view patient engagement in admission and discharge medication communication as two-way accurate information-sharing; however, they sometimes experience challenges undertaking this role or prefer a passive role in information-sharing. Various strategies inform and empower patients to engage in medication communication, however, further investigation is needed of patients' experiences and acceptability of these strategies, and of further strategies that empower patients. Enabling health care professionals' communication skills may promote a patient-centred approach to medication communication, and could enable patient engagement in medication communication.