Context analysis and implementation of a standardized medication plan by nurses in a university hospital ward in Switzerland

Introduction: The use of a standardized medication plan is intended to improve pharmaceutical care prior to hospital discharge and to enhance patients’ self-management of medications.

Objectives: To evaluate the context of a hospital unit regarding barriers and facilitators to implementing a standardized medication plan (objective 1) and to assess the implementation process in terms of acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity (objective 2). Method: An implementation study using a “pre-post” feasibility design. Data were collected from nurses at three time points: before (T0), during (T1), and after implementation (T2), using focus groups and questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analyses and a rapid thematic analysis were performed. Results: Barriers and facilitators to implementation were systematically identified. The standardized medication plan demonstrated added value, but its feasibility remained limited, leading to a low level of fidelity to the intervention. Discussion: Although a standardized medication plan has the potential to support pharmaceutical nursing care before discharge, its implementation in real-world settings requires addressing barriers and adapting its usage procedures.