Blog: What Should You Know About Support Staff When It Comes to Administering Medication Safely?

Administering medication is one of the most critical responsibilities a caregiver has. Errors in medication management can lead to serious health risks for your loved one. To minimise these risks, there are a number of aspects outlined in this blog that should be considered, in addition to the "Five Rights of Medication Administration." This blog will discuss these key principles and provide practical tips on how to ensure support staff are well-prepared for administering medication safely.

Are Support Staff Properly Trained in Medication Administration?

Ensuring that support staff are already trained in medication administration is crucial. One of the key prerequisites when appointing a new support staff member should be verifying that they have completed accredited training in medication administration. As part of the selection process, it is essential to check their qualifications and ensure their certification is current and valid. This helps to guarantee that they are prepared to handle the responsibilities of administering medication safely and effectively.

Support staff must also be fully aware of the legal and ethical obligations tied to administering medication. If they are not properly trained or knowledgeable, they could inadvertently put themselves at risk of liability, particularly if complications or adverse reactions occur as a result of improper medication management. Ensuring they are aware of this requirement is crucial for both their protection and the safety of your loved one.

If you require support staff to administer medication, and they have been working for you for a while, it's never too late to ask to see their certification or encourage them to seek the appropriate training to become certified, until that time they should NOT administer any medication.

It’s important to keep records of the support staff’s training in medication administration and any refresher courses they have taken. Training should also cover emergency procedures, such as administering first aid and CPR in case of medication errors or allergic reactions.

What Is the Difference Between Supervising Self-Administration and Full Medication Administration?

Sometimes, your loved one may be capable of self-administering their medication but needs supervision or assistance. Supervising self-administration means ensuring that the medication is ready and available, often prepared in Webster-packs or pre-organised by a you as the caregiver, but your loved one takes it independently.

Full medication administration, on the other hand, requires the caregiver or support staff to handle all aspects, including dispensing, measuring, and confirming the medication’s route, dosage, and timing. A support person providing full assistance should be trained and certified.

Example: Sam sets out his mother’s diabetes medication in a Webster-pack, so she can take her medication independently under a supervision of a support person when Sam is at work. This ensures that she receives the correct dose at the right time, while still maintaining her independence.

Why Should All Administered Medications Be Recorded Every Time?

Every time medication is administered, it must be recorded to ensure accountability, accuracy, and compliance with care plans. A comprehensive medication record allows caregivers and support staff to track what has been given and when, reducing the risk of missed doses or overdosing.

Recording each dose also provides important information for future medical appointments, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor how the medication is being managed.

Example: Sarah keeps a detailed medication log in her Caregiver Systems Folder, recording each dose of her mother’s medication. This log not only helps her communicate effectively with doctors during follow-up visits, but it also ensures that every dose is properly accounted for. By maintaining this record, Sarah can oversee the accurate administration of medication by support staff, minimising errors and ensuring accountability in following the "Five Rights" of medication administration.

Do You Know the Five Rights of Medication Administration?

To ensure medication is administered safely, caregivers and support staff must follow the "Five Rights" of medication administration:

1.       Right Patient

2.       Right Medication

3.       Right Dose

4.       Right Route

5.       Right Time

Following these principles significantly reduces the risk of medication errors and ensures your loved one receives safe care.

How Can the Caregiver Systems Program Help Manage Medication Administration?

The Caregiver Systems Program offers tools and templates that make it easier to follow the "Five Rights" and keep accurate records. From work instructions, medication logs to checklists, the program helps caregivers and support staff ensure that medications are administered safely and effectively. The program’s templates are ready to go.

Conclusion:

Ensuring support staff are properly trained in medication administration is essential for your loved one's safety. Whether it's verifying certification or understanding the difference between self-administration and full administration, caregivers must be proactive. Keeping accurate records and following the "Five Rights" of Medication Administration significantly reduces errors and risks.

The Caregiver Systems Program provides a lot more in depth information on 'Health and Medical Systems' with practical tools like how to set it all up, how to prepare instructions for others to follow, medication logs and templates to help caregivers and support staff manage medication safely and efficiently, ensuring your loved one receives the care they need.