ESCP Workshop on Clinical Pharmacy. 5 steps of medication safety: medication without harm, where are we now?

Background Evidence on oral drug absorption in ostomy patients remains limited.Although specific factors such as altered gastrointestinal physiology and dosage form characteristics are known to influence therapy, awareness among healthcare professionals and patients is low, posing potential treatment risks.Aim To assess medication-related problems, perceived efficacy, and patient knowledge regarding oral drug therapy among ostomy patients through a cross-sectional online survey, aiming to identify information gaps and opportunities to improve patient counseling and pharmacotherapy outcomes.Method A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted among ostomy patients in Austria between June and October 2025.A 16-item questionnaire, developed based on literature and expert input, included both open and closed questions.Pretested by two hospital pharmacists and one ostomy patient, the survey ensured clarity and validity.Data were collected via the DSGVO-compliant SoSci Survey platform.Descriptive statistics were calculated in Excel.Tables and graphs were used to present findings, illustrating patterns in medication use, perceived efficacy, and patient knowledge regarding oral therapy in ostomy care.Results 51 ostomy patients participated (57% ileostomy, 41% colostomy, 2% unspecified; mean age 54 years).74% regularly used medication (median 6 drugs/ day).After stoma creation, 70% reported no change in therapy, while 18% adjusted their medication.69% perceived no change in drug efficacy.About 25% reported finding medication residues in their stoma bag at least once; half of them identified the affected drugs, mainly enteric-coated or extended-release formulations.In about half of these cases, therapy was subsequently adjusted.60% percent routinely informed physicians and 50% pharmacists about their stoma.35% had used alternative dosage forms such as liquids, dissolvable tablets, or patches, which were described as particularly helpful when solid oral forms had insufficient effect.12% reported intolerance or avoidance of specific drugs since stoma creation.Only 10% had been informed about potential absorption changes.Participants frequently expressed uncertainty and a strong need for improved counseling and education concerning the specific characteristics of drug therapy in stoma patients.Conclusion Medication-related issues are common among ostomy patients, who often face high therapeutic complexity.Although many report no immediate problems, difficulties with drug efficacy or absorption occur frequently and may remain unrecognized or unresolved.Limited patient information and suboptimal interprofessional communication underline the need for targeted education and counseling.Individualized pharmacotherapy is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes.