Why you should read this article:

•

To enhance your understanding of the effective self-management of medicines

•

To identify how issues such as polypharmacy and non-adherence to medicine regimens could be addressed

•

To recognise the importance of shared decision-making and person-centred care in supporting patients to self-manage their medicines

Medicines are an integral element of the effective management of many clinical conditions. As people live longer, many of them will experience multiple long-term conditions, and will frequently require various prescribed medicines. Patients, their family members and/or carers will often have to manage their medicines at home without the assistance of nurses or other healthcare professionals. In addition, many patients do not adhere to their medicine regimens, either unintentionally due to issues such as memory loss, or intentionally because of fears about side effects, for example. This article explains how nurses practising in hospital, community and primary care settings can support patients to self-manage their medicines effectively, in accordance with the principles of shared decision-making and person-centred care.