15. Describe the agreed ways of working in relation to medication 

It is likely that the
individuals you support will take medication of one description or another.
You are
not allowed to remind, give, support or assist an individual with medication or
administer medication unless you have learnt how to do this safely.  Some
medication is given to reduce the symptoms of long term illness, for example
Parkinson’s disease or diabetes. Other medication can be taken (prescribed or
bought from a chemist) to support with a short term problem, for example, a
chest infection or headache.

Medication is not just
talking about tablets.
Medication
can be liquid, capsules, drops (like eye or ear drops) suppositories, inhaled,
injections, implants or patches, buccal medicines (held in the cheek) or
topical medicines (creams, lotions or oitments applied directly to the
skin). 
 
Inhaler
You
will need to be observed and assessed as being competent to undertake any tasks
in relation to medication. This will require additional learning. Have you done
this additional learning yet? If not, this would be a good route for your
continuous professional development.

The following
additional medication learning resources are available.
These
include eLearning and knowledge assessments.

Medication – Supporting and A…Medication – Administration

You can assist
and administer medication before training BUT only if each action is fully
supervised by a competent person.

Your
manager will need to confirm this is acceptable as different organisations may
have different policies.

An
individual must always give consent before you assist them with
medication. 

Your employer may provide
information or training about the types of medication.
Your
role may not involve supporting, assisting or administering medication but it
will be useful for you to have an understanding about any medical conditions
the individuals you support have so you can monitor any changes. It will also
be useful for you to have an understanding about the most common types of
medication and how they can affect the individuals you are working with. You
will find more information in each individual’s care plan.

NHS

If you would like to find out more about types of medicines, you can use this
link to the NHS webpage that lists different types of medicines with a bit more
of a description.

Do
you know where your employer’s policy or agreed ways of working are in relation
to medication? Do you know your level of responsibility and competence? If you
are unsure, check with your employer.
Safe and appropriate handling of
medicines involves:

Ordering	The process should be quick and efficient with freedom of choice in relation to their provider of pharmaceutical care and services.
Receiving	A list of medication ordered should be checked against that received.
Storing	Medication must be stored safely. Controlled drugs (CDs) must be stored in a locked cupboard or might be kept by the individual if self-administering.
Administering	Staff must be competent and ensure the right person receives the right dose of the right medication at the right time, preserving dignity and privacy.
Usage	Medicines are used to cure or prevent disease, or to relieve symptoms. They are not used to punish or control behaviour.
Recording	Record medicine administration in a MAR sheet which charts the administration of drugs. Make sure the records are clear, signed and dated. This should be supported by the Care Plan, Risk Assessment and daily notes.
Transfer	Medication is the individual’s property and has to stay with them if they are transferred somewhere else, for example if the person needs to go into hospital.
Disposal	Return unwanted medication to a pharmacy. Care homes must use a licensed waste management company.
Reporting	If you become aware that an error has occurred, it is important that you report this urgently. You can report by contacting the person’s GP or your manager in the first instance. You may also need to call an ambulance.

·        
Person’s name
·        
Date of birth
·        
Dosage 
·        
Dates and times of medication due and taken
·        
Route of administration
·        
Any special instructions, for example allergies, time critical and
possible side effects.
·        
GP contact details
·        
Signature or initials of the person who has administered the
medication.