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A framework setting out standardised guidance on the self-administration of medicines in hospital has been published by the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group.
The ‘All-Wales self-administration of medicines framework’, published on 18 March 2026, was developed to ensure that patients who already manage their medicines at home can continue to do so safely when admitted to hospital, where clinically appropriate.
The framework describes self-administration of medicines (SAM) as a process that allows patients — or in some cases their parents or carers — to take responsibility for managing medicines during an in-patient stay. It says this approach supports person-centred care and reflects the strategic vision outlined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS’s) ‘Pharmacy: delivering a healthier Wales‘, launched in 2019.
Evidence cited in the document suggests that involving patients in managing their medicines can improve “adherence, safety and health literacy”, as well as support continuity of care after discharge.
The framework also references research indicating that SAM can reduce medication errors.
Under the proposed pathway, all patients should be assessed on admission for their suitability to self-administer. The framework adds that those deemed appropriate may either self-administer independently, do so under supervision, or be supported by a parent or carer.
Patients who are not suitable will continue to have medicines administered by healthcare professionals. Patients should be reassessed throughout their hospital stay, with the aim of enabling self-administration before discharge where possible, the framework says.
It also outlines specific responsibilities for different professional groups. Pharmacy staff should be trained in the SAM scheme and assess during medicines reconciliation whether patients manage their medicines independently at home and whether medicines contributed to admission, the framework recommends.
According to the framework, pharmacy teams should also ensure patients’ own medicines are correctly labelled and suitable for use, supply and label medicines with “correct directions”, and counsel patients, where possible.
It notes that, where pharmacy teams are not available, these responsibilities may be undertaken by other trained healthcare professionals.
Prescribers are required to communicate any changes to medicines clearly, while nursing staff and other registered practitioners are responsible for assessing patient suitability and monitoring ongoing safety, the framework notes.
The framework has also highlighted that certain groups may be excluded from self-administration, including patients who are too unwell, confused, have “no support from a parent or carer whilst in hospital”, are frequently changing dosage regimens, have a history of medicine misuse or those unwilling to participate.
Geraldine McCaffrey, director of Wales at the RPS, said the framework would support standardisation and consistency in how hospitals support patients to manage their own medicines safely.
“Our 2023 independent review of clinical hospital pharmacy services for Welsh government found clear evidence that self‑administration strengthens patient autonomy and supports independence on discharge, but that practice across Wales was variable,” she added.
“The review recommended that patients should be empowered to take responsibility for their medicines and, where possible, be actively involved in decisions about their care during an inpatient stay, with pharmacy teams playing a key role in preventing functional deconditioning.
“This new framework directly addresses that action point by giving health boards a clear, consistent national approach to implementing self‑administration policies.”
