RESUMO
The purpose of this review was to critically examine the literature published in the English language (1983-1995) related to the use of self-medication programmes by hospital patients and to determine whether such a scheme could be implemented and evaluated within the acute medical setting. Searches revealed a wealth of information relating to self-medication and it was evident that such schemes have been welcomed with enthusiasm by clinical nurses. However, only 12 empirical studies evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication programmes could be located. The remainder were all anecdotal or described the process of implementation in such broad terms that they could not be considered to fulfil the rigorous requirements demanded of research studies. Even the 12 empirical studies contained serious methodological flaws. Thus authors' claims that self-medication increased compliance with the drug regime could not be accepted with confidence. Nevertheless, the authors made a number of sensible recommendations which logically would be expected to increase compliance. These included simplification of the drug regime and careful patient assessment with the programme tailored to meet individual need. It was also possible to highlight areas where future research could be conducted (e.g. more detailed examination of the importance nurse-patient interaction to the success of self-medication, longer-term evaluation) and to identify means of improving research designs so that this important field of patient care may in future be examined with greater rigour.