Mrs Bridget Clark1, Mrs Nabeelah Mukadam1
1King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Australia
Biography:
Bridget Clark is a pharmacist with a background in Obstetric care and is a dual-registered healthcare professional with experience in critical care nursing. Her expertise spans both pharmacy and nursing, allowing her to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care. With a passion for medication safety and education, Bridget has a particular interest in thromboprophylaxis in postpartum women. She has conducted research on enoxaparin use in postpartum women, aiming to improve adherence and patient outcomes. Committed to continuous learning and professional development, she strives to bridge the gap between clinical practice and evidence-based medication management in maternal healthcare.
Abstract:
Purpose:
This study aims to evaluate postnatal patient experiences, comfort levels, educational adequacy, and compliance with self-administration of enoxaparin after hospital discharge. It also seeks to identify potential areas for improvement in patient care and education.
Methods:
A telephone survey was conducted with 30 postpartum patients who were prescribed enoxaparin upon discharge from the hospital. The survey included 12 pre-set questions regarding their compliance, disposal methods, administration practices, and confidence in self-administration. The data were analysed to identify common themes and areas needing improvement.
Results:
The compliance rate among patients was 77%, with 23 patients using all provided enoxaparin injections. Non-compliance was primarily due to discomfort and lack of confidence. All patients reported receiving education. However, 20% of patients felt their training was inadequate. Proper disposal of used injections was reported by 90% of patients, reflecting effective education on correct disposal. Fear of needles and discomfort were the significant barriers to self-administration.
Conclusions:
The study highlights the importance of comprehensive and multidisciplinary education for postpartum patients prescribed enoxaparin. Enhanced training programs, early initiation of self-administration, and supportive environments can improve compliance and patient confidence. Addressing needle phobia and ensuring proper disposal practices are also crucial for optimal patient outcomes.