Assist in the administration of medication
Overview
This standard is about assisting in the administration of medication either to an individual, or as part of a larger process where a “drug round” may be undertaken. You will always work with other staff within this context whose role is to lead the process and need to work within your own role and area of responsibility.
The standard applies to all medication used for and by individuals, both prescribed and non-prescribed. This includes immunisation and vaccination.
This standard is intended to be used in a variety of care settings including hospitals, nursing and residential homes, hospices, and community settings including the individual's own home and GP surgeries.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
This standard does not cover the use and administration of intra-venous medication
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control any other relevant health and safety measures
P2 check that all medication administration records or protocols are available, up to date and legible with the member of staff leading the process
P3 report any discrepancies or omissions you might find to the person in control of the administration and to relevant staff as appropriate
P4 read the medication administration record with the person leading the administration, checking and confirming the medication required, the dose and the route of administration against the record/protocol, and confirming the expiry date of the medication
P5 refer confusing or incomplete instructions back to the relevant member of staff or the pharmacist
P6 check and confirm the identity of the individual who is to receive the medication with the person leading the activity and with the individual themselves, using a variety of methods, before the medication is administered
P7 contribute to administering the medication to the individual in the appropriate manner, using the correct technique and at the prescribed time according to the care plan
P8 assist the individual to be as self managing as possible and refer any problems or queries to the relevant staff or pharmacist
P9 seek help and advice from a relevant member of staff if the individual will not or cannot take the medication
P10 check and confirm that the individual actually takes the medication and does not pass medication to others
P11 contribute to the completion of all relevant documentation required for administering medication to individuals.
P12 return medication administration records to the agreed place for storage and maintain the confidentiality of information relating to the individual at all times
P13 ensure the security of medications throughout the process and ensure all medication is stored in the correct safe place when administration is complete
P14 check the stock level of medications and assist in the reordering if necessary and applicable
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to administer medication to individuals
K2 the duty to report any acts or omissions in care that could be detrimental to yourself, other individuals or your employer
K3 the importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence
K4 the importance of applying standard precautions when assisting with the administration of medication and the potential consequences of poor practice
K5 why medication should only be administered against the individual's medication administration record and consistent with the prescriber's advice
K6 who is responsible within your work setting for checking and confirming that the details and instructions on the medication label are correct for the client and with the medication administration record sheet/protocol
K7 the actions you should take if you disagree with the person leading the administration of medication
K8 the instructions for the use of medication on patient information leaflets and manufacturers instructions
K9 the different routes for the administration of medication
K10 the information which needs to be on the label of a medication and its significance
K11 the various aids, which can be used to help individuals take their medication
K12 the importance of communication and different ways in which you can communicate
K13 the importance of identifying the individual for whom the medications are prescribed
K14 why it is vital that you confirm the medication against the prescription/protocol with the person leading the administration before administering it
K15 the importance of correctly recording your activities as required
K16 the importance of keeping accurate and up to date records
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):
Dimension: HWB5 Provision of care to meet health and wellbeing needs