COURSE CONTENT

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Legislation

​The administration of medicines in care settings is governed by several key pieces of legislation in the UK. These include the Medicines Act 1968, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Health and Social Care Act 2008. Additionally, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations set out specific standards that care homes and children’s homes must meet regarding the safe handling of medicines. Understanding and complying with these laws ensures that medicines are managed safely, effectively, and legally.

 

Policies and Procedures

Every care home or children's home must have clear, written policies and procedures for the management of medicines. These documents should outline how medicines are to be prescribed, obtained, stored, administered, and disposed of within the facility. Policies must be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and the specific needs of the person. Staff should be thoroughly trained on these procedures to ensure consistency and safety in medicine management.

 

Managing Medicines: Roles and Responsibilities

The management of medicines involves several key roles, each with specific responsibilities:

• Prescribing: Only qualified healthcare professionals, such as doctors or nurse prescribers, are authorised to prescribe medicines. Prescriptions must be clear, accurate, and legally compliant.

• Dispensing: Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medicines, ensuring they are correctly labeled, and providing the appropriate medication to the care home.

• Obtaining and Checking Medicines: Care home staff must ensure that medicines are obtained from reputable sources and are checked upon receipt for accuracy, expiry dates, and any discrepancies.

• Support, Guidance, and Confidentiality: Staff must provide these people with support and guidance on their medicines while maintaining confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

Types of Medicines and Classifications

Medicines are classified into various categories such as prescription-only medicines (POM), over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and controlled drugs. Understanding these classifications is crucial for proper handling.

 

• Routes of Administration: Medicines can be administered via several routes, including oral, topical, inhalation, injection, and others. Each route requires specific knowledge and techniques to ensure safe and effective delivery.

• ​General Rules for Administration: Care staff must adhere to the "Five Rights" of medicine administration: the right patient, the right medicine, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.

 

Side Effects, Adverse Reactions, Contraindications, and Medicine Interactions

Staff must be aware of the potential side effects and adverse reactions that can occur with different medicines. Additionally, understanding contraindications—situations where a particular medicine should not be used—and potential interactions with other medicines or foods is essential to prevent harm. Prompt recognition and appropriate response to these issues are critical in maintaining the persons safety.

 

The Safe Administration of Medicines, Consent and Risk Assessment

Before administering any medicine, it is essential to obtain the persons consent. Risk assessments should be conducted to identify potential issues related to medicine administration.

• Administering Medicines: Medicines should be administered according to the prescribed instructions, with staff following the care home’s policies and procedures meticulously.

• Recording Medicine Administration, Refusal, and Errors: Accurate record-keeping is vital. Every administration must be documented, along with any instances of refusal or errors. This helps in tracking compliance and identifying patterns that may need addressing.

• Errors in Administration of Medicines: In the event of an error, it is crucial to follow the correct procedure, which includes notifying a healthcare professional, documenting the error, and taking steps to prevent future occurrences.

• Medicine Storage, Disposal, and Audit: Medicines must be stored securely and according to their specific requirements (e.g., refrigeration). Expired or unused medicines should be disposed of safely. Regular audits of medicine management practices help ensure compliance with legal and safety standards.

 

Effective medicine management in care homes and children's homes is a cornerstone of providing safe and responsive care. By adhering to UK legislation, implementing robust policies and procedures, and understanding the roles and responsibilities involved, care prothese people but also supports the integrity and reputation of the care facility.