Purpose: In Japan, only a few studies reported self-management systems of narcotic drugs among hospitalized patients. Our purpose was to develop a self-management system for patients and assess its effectiveness. Methods: Based on the results of a questionnaire administered to our hospital medical staff, methods of selecting eligible patients and methods of self-management of narcotic drugs were determined by a multi-professional team. Selection criteria for eligible patients were: 1) satisfactory results on assessment of the patient's ability to self-manage orally-administered drugs; 2) satisfactory results on assessment of the patient's ability to self-manage narcotic drugs; 3) physician's consent was obtained; and 4) the patient wanted to participate in this program. After the period of self-management of drug administration, questionnaires were distributed to the patients and medical staff in the general ward. Results: One hundred hospitalized patients used narcotic drugs between April 2008 and March 2009. Among them, 26 patients met the criteria for self-management of narcotic drugs, and 20 voluntarily participated in the program. There were no reports of missing or stolen drugs. There were no reports of administration of incorrect dose of the drug during the self-management period (average 15.0 days). Ninety-four percent of the self-managing patients provided positive feedback about self-management of narcotic drugs, such as mental stability by having drugs on hand and no problems in self-management. Seventy-five percent of staff members answered that the self-management system of narcotic drugs should be continued. Conclusion: Our results suggest that this system of narcotic drug self-management is safe and appropriate. Palliat Care Res 2010; 5(1): 114-126

Objective : In 2011, the Ishikawa Prefectural Joint Committee of Blood Transfusion Therapy was organized in Ishikawa Prefecture. Since 2012, pharmacists have promoted educational activities regarding the appropriate use of albumin products for different occupations based on a survey involving all medical institutions in Ishikawa Prefecture. We examined the effects of these activities with respect to the usage of albumin products. Methods : A questionnaire survey regarding blood transfusion therapy, including the total usage of albumin products, departments responsible for the management of albumin products, and health care professionals’ awareness of issues on the appropriate use of albumin products, was conducted from 2011 until 2014 involving all medical institutions where blood transfusion preparations were used in Ishikawa Prefecture. Results : The questionnaire collection rate was ≥70%. The results showed that, in middle- or small-scale medical institutions, departments/physicians other than the Department of Pharmacy were responsible for the management of albumin products. Furthermore, some health care professionals did not recognize/understand problems regarding the appropriate use of albumin products. Pharmacists newly increased educational activities by study meetings for various occupations or panel discussions involving participants. The participants’ occupations varied, and the number of institutions to which they belonged was 20 to 24. The total usage of albumin products in Ishikawa Prefecture decreased by approximately 20% between 2011, when these attempts were started, and 2014. Discussion : This study suggests that the educational activities by pharmacists and other health care professionals at the prefectural level reduced the total usage of albumin products.