Did you know?

Let’s have a look at some medication facts published by NHS England based on NICE data.The NHS have an initiative called “Medicines optimisation”.The goal of medicines optimisation is to help patients to:improve their outcomestake their medicines correctlyavoid taking unnecessary medicinesreduce wastage of medicinesand improve medicines safety.These are important principles when supporting people with their medication:

• Consent
• Self-medication
• Active participation
• Dignity
• Privacy 
• Confidentiality 

Consent

The principles for the use of medication for consent are:

• Always assume the individual can make their own decision and gain their consent. 
• Ensure all possible support is provided to make sure the individual can make their own decision. 
• Do not assume an individual cannot make a decision because you feel they are making an unwise, or unsafe decision. 
• Medication should never be given to an individual without their consent.

Example – Danny Boy

Danny Boy is a little forgetful at times and he can be slow, he can apply cream to himself. He can pour his medication and he can take his tablets. 

He only needs prompts. Do not take over!

Think about how you would feel if your independence was taken away.

Example – Mohammed

You are having to remind Mohammed constantly to take his medication and he cannot select the correct medication anymore.

You talk to him and he asks you to select and count his medication. 

You report back to your manager who does a medication review. This results in a formal agreement with the individual’s consent which is recorded in his care plan. 

If the individual cannot make a decision… 

There may be enough evidence that the individual is unable to make choices about their medicine, for example, if they lack mental capacity, but the medicine is essential. 

If this has been identified, a Mental Capacity Assessment will need to be organised by your manager. If your manager makes a decision in the best interest of the individual, this must be the least restrictive option and clearly documented in their care plan. Our Mental Capacity course will help you to learn more about this.

Self-medication 

This means the individual clearly understands why they take the medication and is willing to self-medicate. If they ask, you can support them to open a packet or bottle.

Active participation 

Active participation is a way of working that recognises an individual’s right to participate in the activities and relationships, as independently as possible. Individuals who can manage and take their own medication safely should be encouraged to do so, but this needs to be in their care plan.

Privacy

Privacy is giving someone space when and where they need it so they are not observed or disturbed by other people. Not all medication is as simple as taking a tablet. Some medication involves revealing parts of the body that most people would prefer not to be shown to others, for example, rectal diazapam.

If the medication, the MAR sheet and the individual are in a private place, it will reduce the chances of being disturbed and reduce the likelihood of medication errors. 

Be tactful and sensitive.  

An individual…

• May want to take their medication in private.
• May not want to have pieces of their clothing removed or moved aside in front of other people.
• May not want other people to know what medication they are taking.

Dignity

Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect. Dignity is about focusing of the value of the individual by: 

• Respecting their views, choices, culture and decisions.
• Not making assumptions about how they want to be treated.
• Working with care and compassion.
• Communicating direct with the individual whenever possible.
• Taking time to do things their way.
• Taking account of their physical ability.

You should understand and respect the contribution that each individual makes and consider their privacy and dignity when supporting them with their medication. 

Example

An individual needs to have cream applied to her leg. 

Ensure you gain consent before applying the cream. To promote privacy and dignity, you should offer to apply the cream in a private place where other people cannot see what is happening. 

Confidentiality

The Data Protection Act 2018 protects people’s rights to confidentiality. It restricts how personal and sensitive information can be used, stored and passed on. Personal details must not be passed on unless the person gives their permission. These laws explain how you must treat individuals’ information responsibly, for example: 

Only pass information on in line with agreed procedures and for the purpose of providing the best possible care and support.

Always think about the individual’s privacy and only share information with people who need to know i.e. other care workers, your manager(s), nurses. Never with your friends and family.

Information should only be shared if permission has been given by the individual.

Do not talk about individual’s medication in front of people who do not need to know about it.