PATIENTS' KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICAL PATCHES IN HUNGARY

Acta Pol Pharm. 2016 Nov;73(6):1653-1657.

Abstract

Transdermal therapy with medical patches is a simple possibility in home medication. As the correct use of patches has a decisive impact from the point of its modulator effect.A questionnaire survey was developed to explore level of patients' knowledge of the correct use of transdermal patches. A survey was administered in thirteen Hungarian community pharmacies from October of 2012 to May of 2015. Most of the participants, men and women over 18 years of age (n = 233), used major analgesic patches (fentanyl); the remainder were given nitroglycerin, NSAID analgesics patches during the survey. For the hypothesis testing it was assumed that men were more likely to use a razor for skin depilation before patch application than women as their denser pelage hinders patch adhesion. The hypothesis testing showed no significant gender difference in razor use (X² = 0.201; p = 0.654). Pharmacists should direct patients to avoid using soap for skin cleansing before patch application because only 22 percent of the participants always avoided its use. Since only 9 tests were flawless from 233 completed questionnaires. Many patients do not understand how to correctly apply a transdermal dosage patch. Pharmacists should teach their correct application based on results.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fenthion / administration & dosage
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Hungary
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitroglycerin / administration & dosage
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Pharmacies*
  • Pharmacists*
  • Professional Role
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transdermal Patch
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Fenthion
  • Nitroglycerin