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To explore how residents and caregivers experience engagement in medication communication during transitions of care.
Qualitative exploratory study.
Nine residents and seven family caregivers from two rural aged care homes participated in semi-structured interviews between June and July 2024. Engagement in medication communication was assessed using the Patient and Family Engagement Framework. The COREQ checklist guided reporting of the study.
The study identified two main themes: (1) Medication communication during transitions into healthcare services; (2) Influences shaping residents' and caregivers' engagement in medication communication. Participants primarily experienced passive consultation about medications, mainly due to a lack of proactive engagement from healthcare providers, with both intrinsic and external factors significantly hindering their involvement in medication communication.
Participants had minimal engagement in medication communication during transitions, receiving mainly reactive, one-way information from providers. Improved communication strategies and greater involvement of residents and caregivers are needed to enhance medication safety and continuity of care in rural settings.
This study provides insights into medication communication engagement among rural aged care residents and their family caregivers. By applying the Patient and Family Engagement Framework, the findings highlight the need for proactive, clear and inclusive communication strategies to enhance medication safety and continuity of care. Improving engagement in medication discussions can support shared decision-making, reduce misunderstandings and improve transitions of care in rural aged care settings.
The study followed COREQ guidelines.
Residents and family caregivers participated through interviews.
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