How to help with administering medication
As summarised by the Royal College of Nursing, Medication management is defined by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as “The clinical, cost-effective and safe use of medicines to ensure patients get the maximum benefit from the medicines they need, while at the same time minimising potential harm.”
Medication management is designed to ensure patients get the desired outcomes through monitoring and reconciling medications. Medication management involves evaluating the patient’s needs and monitoring medication use to ensure the patient is getting the desired outcome from their treatment. Medication management should include a thorough review of prescribed medications, including their possible side effects, to create a treatment plan that is monitored for safety and effectiveness.
Who requires medication assistance?
- Patients who struggle with understanding their treatment’s effects
- Those who haven’t experienced the desired outcomes from their treatment
- Patients who may need assistance remembering to take their medication, and when to take it
- Older, more vulnerable individuals
At Kingfisher Care, we pride ourselves in supporting and administering all manners of care for our clients. Our care focuses on the individual needs of clients to ensure they maintain the highest degree of happiness, health, and wellbeing. Our medication assistance services are administered by highly skilled care professionals.
Our staff are routinely trained to monitor medication treatment plans, supporting individuals to take medication, at the frequency specified by their healthcare professional. Additionally, our care professionals record all medication administration and are trained to deal with any unexpected issues to ensure you are taken care of in the best possible way.
Assisting with administering medication
Assisting with medication means helping individuals with administering a medication that has been prescribed at the frequency specified. As well as monitoring a treatment plan, medication record keeping, and any further information or explanation the individual may need to understand their treatment. This includes any possible side effects, the duration of the treatment plan, and any other queries or support they may need.
All medication management is logged and kept on record for safeguarding purposes.
Assisting with medication administration for care workers will differ from the assistance an individual may receive from their family or friends. Care workers such as ours work to monitor the required dosage of medications, re-ordering any medications, and make a note of what medications have been taken daily (and at what time) to ensure there is no confusion. Additionally, our care professionals prompt and remind individuals to take their medications.
Types of medication support
Our team cannot forcefully administer any medications, instead, we will monitor the dosage and will prompt, remind, or give full support to individuals (if required) to take them at the specified times.
Safe guidelines for managing & administering medication
Medication monitoring guidelines are incredibly important and should be adhered to entirely for safe medication administration.
NICE guidelines medication administration
For a full breakdown of NICE guidelines and any additional support or queries, please go to their website for the full information.
The 3 levels of support with medication administration
Full information can be found here: https://medicationtraining.co.uk/new-advice-nice-2017-means-now-use-medicines-chart-record-medicines-support-provided-clients/
Level 1: General support
At level 1 the person using the service is self-medicating, with physical assistance from a support worker such as a nurse or care professional. The care worker must work under the direction of the person using the service, who must indicate to the care worker what actions they are to take on each occasion. If the person using the service doesn’t provide this direction, or if the care worker gives any medicines without being requested (by the person), this activity is interpreted as administering medicine. Below are some instances:
- Requesting prescriptions, collecting medicines, disposing of medicines
- Occasional reminders (prompts)
- Manipulation of containers e.g., opening a bottle or popping tablets from blister packs when the person requests this and shows them which medicines to select
Level 2: Administering medication
At level 2 the care worker is taking responsibility for ensuring that medications are taken correctly and on time. Some examples of level 2 are included below:
selecting/preparing medicines for immediate administration, including a selection from a monitored dosage system or compliance aid
- Selecting/measuring liquid medication
- Application of medicated creams/ointments; ear, nose, or eye drops; inhalers
- Putting out medication for the person to take later (to enable their independence)
Level 3: Administering medication by specified techniques
For this level, training and competence checks must be provided by a healthcare professional.
- Rectal administration, e.g., suppositories, diazepam (for epileptic seizure)
- Insulin by injection
- Administration through a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
- Giving oxygen
Medication management for nurses
As mentioned above, care professionals must adhere to NICE regulations with medication management and assistance. As such, all nurses and care professionals have relevant training and undergo regular competence checks and training. All of which we take very seriously at Kingfisher Care.
What are the risks involved with managing medication?
Before beginning any sort of treatment or care plan, Kingfisher Care will work with you to thoroughly create a tailored plan and minimise any risks associated with medication administration. Some risks may include a wrong dosage or allergic reactions. To combat this, we will work closely with you and only adhere to the guidelines set by your healthcare professional, such as your GP or other specialist.
What should you check before administering medication?
Before any administration, the relevant documents must always be checked. This includes the medication logbook, any dosage information, time of the day (if relevant), if medication must be taken with or without food (if relevant), and any notes written by a GP or other specialist. Additionally, checking in with the individual is also advised as they may be feeling unwell, which can have an effect on them if taking additional medications.
Kingfisher Care maintains a high level of dignity and consent from the individual at every stage of the medication management. Your safety, comfort, and wellbeing are paramount.
Do you need help with taking medication at home?
For those who want to remain at home and utilise personal home care services, some medication management services can be included. This is especially useful for older elderly care customers who may benefit from some assistance understanding their treatment plan, as well as being prompted to take their medication (correctly dosed by the care professional) at the correct time, with/without food.
Medication help for seniors can be especially beneficial if they are forgetful, do not understand their treatment plan, or are averse to taking their medication.
No matter what your or your loved one’s requirements are, at Kingfisher Care we pride ourselves on supporting you to live a healthy and happy life.