Safer Handling of Medication Training

Course Outline: Medication Training

In any healthcare setting, ensuring the safe handling of medication is of utmost importance. This training program focuses on key areas to promote a safe and efficient approach to medication management. The following topics will be covered in-depth:

1. Policies, Legislation, and CQC:

Understanding the relevant policies and legislation governing medication handling.
Complying with Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidelines to ensure high-quality care.

2. Medication:

Familiarising participants with different medications, including their routes of administration, formulations, and types.
Understanding the absorption process of medications in the body.

3. MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team):

Identifying the roles and responsibilities of the MDT in medication management.
Recognizing the importance of effective communication and collaboration within the team.

4. Levels of Support and Boundaries:

Understanding the different levels of support required for various medication administration scenarios.
Defining the boundaries and agreed ways of working within the healthcare team.

5. Medication Management Steps:

Learning the orderly process of medication handling: Order, Receive, Store, Record, Transfer, and Dispose.
Emphasizing the significance of accurate documentation in the medication management process.

6. The 7 R’s of Medication Administration:

Educating participants on the 7 R’s: Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Patient, Right Route, Right Time, Right Documentation, and Right to Refuse.
Exploring case studies and group work to reinforce the application of the 7 R’s.

7. Sources of Information and Practical Sessions:

Introducing reliable sources of medication information.
Engaging participants in practical sessions, including the use of Medication Administration Record (MAR) charts.

8. Risk Assessments and Person-Centered Care:

Conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards and ensure safer medication handling.
Emphasizing the importance of person-centered care to cater to individual needs and preferences.

9. Review and Covert Administration:

Discussing the significance of regular medication reviews and adjustments when necessary.
Addressing the ethical considerations surrounding covert medication administration.

10. Consent and Refusal:

Understanding the medication administration.
Knowing how to handle situations when a patient refuses medication.

11. Errors and Corrective Actions:

Learning how to identify and prevent medication errors.
Implementing appropriate corrective actions when errors occur.

12. Infection Control and Technique:

Highlighting the importance of infection control measures during medication administration.
Demonstrating proper techniques to minimize the risk of infection.

By the end of this comprehensive training program, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to handle medications safely, ensuring the well-being of patients and maintaining a high standard of care within the healthcare facility.

Learning Outcome:

The five rights of medication administration are important for health practitioners and they are:

Right Patient: Ensuring the medication is given to the correct patient by verifying their identity through two patient identifiers, such as name and date of birth.
Right Medication: Confirm that the medication prescribed matches the medication to be administered, checking the label and dosage carefully.
Right Dosage: Administering the correct dosage as prescribed by the healthcare provider, double-checking calculations if necessary.
Right Route: Choosing the appropriate route of administration (e.g., oral, intravenous, topical) that aligns with the healthcare provider’s orders.
Right Time: Administer the medication at the scheduled time as per the healthcare provider’s instructions, considering any specific timing requirements.

These five rights serve as essential checks to ensure safe and accurate medication administration, minimising the risk of medication errors and promoting patient well-being. They would be taught in this course to help you understand how best to manage medicines as a carer or a nurse.

Will attending the course make me competent?

In short, no. No classroom-based workshop can give you full competency – be very wary of anyone claiming they can. Our classroom-based competency assessments are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace competency.

We will be sure to provide you with the relevant workbooks and competency assessment proformas to be observed and signed off within the workplace according to your local policy.

What is Level 2 Medication Support?

Level 2 Medication Support is about handling and administering of medicines program and the course provides deeper knowledge of medication administration. Participants learn techniques, dosage calculation, safety, documentation, and legal considerations. The course is medicine administering online course is CPD Approved.

It ensures safe and competent medication assistance in healthcare and care home settings (including people within adult social care).

In Level 2 Medication Support, individuals typically learn:

Medication Administration Techniques: Participants are trained in various methods of medication administration, including oral, topical, and inhalation routes.
Dosage Calculation: curriculum includes learning how to accurately calculate medication dosages based on patient-specific factors.
Medication Safety: Emphasis is placed on preventing medication errors, understanding potential drug interactions, and recognising adverse reactions.
Documentation: Proper record-keeping and documentation of medication administration are covered.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Participants are educated on their responsibilities and obligations related to medication administration in accordance with healthcare regulations and ethical standards.