The challenges and opportunities of improving medication management in the Norwegian healthcare system
A new research article from two of our researchers uncovers critical challenges faced by Norwegian doctors and nurses in the digital healthcare landscape and what is the medicine of the future.
The study explores the real-life problems that healthcare professionals in both primary and secondary care have in managing patients' medication information.
Medication errors present a major risk, especially for the elderly who are on many different medications (polypharmacy).
- Errors often occur when patients are moved between different parts of the healthcare system because important information is not always included.
- Norway is now testing a new system called "Patient's Medication List" (PLL), which keeps track of your medicines digitally, so that all doctors and nurses have up-to-date information.
- The research shows that we need to be good at sharing responsibility, using the system smartly and training those who work in the healthcare system for PLL to work as well as possible.
- With this new system, we can make our healthcare safer and more efficient for everyone.
Patient's medication list
The article sheds light on the importance of a shared patient medication list (PML) and the crucial role it plays in improving drug safety.
In Norway, a system has now been developed for digitally shared medication lists, called "Pasientens Legemiddelliste" (PLL). This shows all medicines prescribed by the doctor, regardless of whether the patient has a prescription for the medicine or not.
PLL has been tested and trialed in Bergen since 2021. A national introduction is planned to start in 2024.
✅ Read the full research article on how a shared medication list can be the key to patient safety and effective medication management.