Safe Handling and Administration of Medicines
Safe Handling and Administration of Medication
Safe Handling & Administration of Medicines
Theme: Improving Health and healthcare
Cohort 10 (2022/23)
Project Title
Safe Handling and Administration of Medicines
Aim
The project aimed to address the urgent need for medication training for staff working in residential care settings and develop a practical information leaflet to support informed decision-making, improve appropriate placement, and strengthen advocacy for residents.
Who was involved
Residents, relatives, staff & Pat Bailey (My Home Life Charity trustee and Home Truths Report).
My Home Life Tools and Resources used
My Home Life Frameworks, Image cards and Emotional touchpoints.
Quality Improvement Projects
- Collaborate with Pat Bailey, Trustee of My Home Life and contributor to the Home Truths report (2018), to explore medication safety in care homes.
- Use the CHUMS (Care Homes' Use of Medicines Study) to explore the practicalities of developing a guidance document to support an integrated approach to medication safety, in line with the Home Truths recommendations.
- Participants will complete The Community Pharmacy Care Home Support Service (CPCHSS) – audit tool to help identify protocols and procedures that facilitate the safe ordering, supply, storage, administration and disposal of medicines and appliances and reduce avoidable waste.
- Liaise with Stephanie Park, Enhanced Clinical Care Framework (ECCF), and Hilary McKee NHSCT Consultant Pharmacist for older people, currently undertaking the ‘Safer mobility’ pilot on how this guide could sit alongside this pilot.
Key Learning
- Understanding the legislative framework
- Knowledge of common types of medications
- Roles and responsibilities in the use of medication in social care settings
- Techniques for administering medication
- Receiving, storing and disposing of medication supplies safely
- Rights of the individual being prescribed medication
- Good record keeping
- Identify and assist those with deteriorating health needs
- Identify higher risks of deteriorating health related to multiple health conditions and multiple medicines.
- Non-prescription medication to treat minor ailments.
Next steps
- Develop a leadership and management programme that includes leading the improvement of medication practice.
- Develop a training guide of identified areas of learning.
