Self-Medication Management in a Rehabilitation Setting: A Case Study.

Skilled nursing facilities are beginning to introduce Self-Medication Programs (SMP), in which patients meet with a staff member and learn how to manage their own medications throughout their rehabilitation stay. This program allows for patients to keep their medications in their room and take them on their own without direct nursing administration. In the process, it is the goal for patients to regain independence for their medical care prior to discharge from a skilled nursing facility with an outcome of increased adherence and medication knowledge. Herein we describe a veteran, 57 years of age, who participated in the Cincinnati VA SMP in order to regain his independence poststroke.