Medication Management Processes GSHarnisch

Preparation: no disturbance Ensure  Leave your mobile phone somewhere you cannot hear it  Put the phone on answerphone  Other staff know what you are doing and ask them to leave you alone while you give clients medication  The client is available GSHarnisch

Preparation Ensure  The paperwork is ready – script/signing sheet  The blister pack is there 1. Wash your hands GSHarnisch

Right person Ensure that you give the right person the medication  Check the medication file name  Check the blister pack name  Check the script/administration sheet for name  Check with the client GSHarnisch

Right medication Check the medication against the script or administration sheet medication information Check with the client that the medication is the right medication Check number, colour and shape of the medicine is right Check for expiry of medication GSHarnisch

Right medication Check medicines allergies and sensitivities noted GSHarnisch

Right dose Pay attention to the number of medicines – they can come in different strengths Ensure the dosage on the blister pack or container label is consistent with the medication in the blister pack Be cautious if there are changes in the colour, size or form of medication Be cautious of any sudden large increases in medication doses GSHarnisch

Right time Read the medication related instructions on the script/blister/administration signing sheet to confirm the time for administering/giving the medicine You need to know:  When did the client take the last dose of the medicine  Are foods or liquids to be taken with the medication  Are there certain foods or liquids to avoid when taking the medication GSHarnisch

Right time Is there a period of time to take the medication in relation to foods or liquids (for example antibiotics) Have you got a system in place to make sure that you know any non-routine instructions such as:  To be taken 30 minutes before a meal  To be taken 1 hour after food etc. GSHarnisch

Right route Read the medication instructions on the blister pack or container to confirm the route or way to take the medication Tablets, capsules and liquids are taken ‘oral’ – this means that the medication enters the body through the mouth Some medicines need to be taken under the tongue (sublingual) or between the teeth and cheek (buccal) GSHarnisch

Right route Other routes include oral inhalers, nasal sprays, dermal patches, ointments to be applied to the skin, eye drops and ear drops If you are in doubt, ask the prescriber or a clinical service team member or google the term on internet GSHarnisch

Special instructions For example: Risk that the client is choking Do not pulverise medication Side effects and effects of the medication Reason/indication for the medication specifically PRN Observe the client – for example are they nodding, not able to get up because they are too tired etc. Check if similar or same names of clients Check what other non-prescribed medication the client is taking GSHarnisch

Instructions: spilled medication Never give medication that has fallen on the floor Never put medication that has spilled or fallen on the floor back into the container/bottle/blister- pack Return the medication to the pharmacy Arrange the replacement of the spilled/fallen on the floor medication Complete an incident report GSHarnisch

Administering/Giving the medication Check that the client is fine taking the medication Explain to the client the reason for administering the medication or check with the client that they know what the medication is for Make sure the client consents to getting the medication Make sure there is water to take the medication with if there are no special instructions GSHarnisch

Wash your hands Give the medication without touching it, or let the client take the medication from the blister pack or bottle Check that the client is taking the medication Assist the client if he/she has any difficulties Administering/Giving the medication GSHarnisch

After Administering Wash hands Sign off that medication was given Note the reason why medication was not administered Put medication back into storage Observe the client for medication effects GSHarnisch