Six Dutch hospitals, including Maastricht UMC+ (Dr Fatma Karapinar, Dept of Clinical Pharmacy) will receive a total of €4.1 million from the Integral Care Agreement (IZA) to improve patient self-management of medication during hospital stays. Patients will bring their own medication from home and, when possible, continue taking it themselves. They will also be able to update their medication lists through an app or website.

This approach aims to make care more personal and safer, reduce medication errors, and make outpatient visits more efficient. It is expected to save €2.5 million in medication costs each year and free up time equivalent to 30 healthcare professionals. The participating hospitals will build on earlier pilots to develop a toolbox that will help other hospitals implement this approach as well.

For more information: Nieuwe aanpak medicijngebruik in ziekenhuis: patiënt krijgt meer eigen regie | Maastricht UMC+