Final answer:
The use of a patient's own medication in a healthcare institution encompasses various considerations including directly observed therapy (DOT), informed consent for studies, ongoing pharmacovigilance, and careful medication management to prevent misuse and to ensure patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of patient's own medication within an institution requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure patient safety, medication efficacy, and adherence to treatment protocols. One approach to administer medication is through directly observed therapy (DOT), which has been effective in treating diseases such as TB and is part of WHO’s global strategy. However, the practicality of DOT for all antibiotics, such as penicillin, raises questions regarding patient adherence, cost, and who would be responsible for overseeing the process. Additional issues in medication management include maintaining informed consent for medication studies, addressing prescription drug overuse, ensuring safety even after market approval through vigilant pharmacovigilance, and preventing misuse or theft of medications, as highlighted by the incident of a healthcare worker tampering with syringes and exposing patients to HIV.
Moreover, conducting drug surveys to compare local and national prescription medication use and evaluating new preventative medications through controlled studies are crucial in understanding drug impact and guiding patient care. These practices are central to a comprehensive approach that considers not only the medication but also the healthcare system and its stakeholders, ensuring effective and responsible medication management.