Confusion over administration of medication

New administration of medication e-learning course now available in EdgeWorks™ Care Academy

The handling of medicines by care workers is often difficult to manage due to a lack of guidance and confusion regarding the level of training required. Many care workers fail to recognise the difference between “administration” and “assistance” (often referred to as “prompting’).

A common misconception is that training provided as part of the Common Induction Standards (CIS) requirement is sufficient. Unfortunately this often focuses on the Safe Handling of Medicines commonly referred to as Level 1 and not “Administration of Medication” which is a Level 2 requirement.

Care Academy’s “Administration of Medication” course meets the requirements for Level 2 training which should be supported with workplace supervision to ensure best practice.

Failure to recognise the difference between “Administration” and “Assistance” can leave both care workers and service users at significant risk and ultimately lead to claims of negligence and non-compliance. Following recent Care Quality Commission (formally CSCI) inspections, a number of our clients have had to review their training as well as their policies and procedures to ensure the correct level of training is provided. By deploying our latest course in conjunction with our unique Policy-Safe solution, Care Academy users have been able to respond and implement changes with the minimum of fuss.

Care Academy’s Administration of Medication course outline has been reviewed by CSCI who confirmed (when supported with appropriate workplace supervision) meets the specification required for any inspection. In outline, the course covers the knowledge requirements for Health and Social Care NVQ 3 optional unit 375 including:

• Legislation and organisational policy and procedures.
• Drug storage (such as medical and legal regulations, local pharmacy policy).
• Drug handling, preparation and administration.
• Health and safety when dealing with drugs (e.g. COSHH).
• Theory and practice.
• Care and support.
• Pharmacology.
• Materials and equipment e.g. medication aids.
• Reporting, recording and documentation.

If you would like to find out more about our medication courses please contact us.

For further reading on Administration of Medication:

• The Administration of Medication in domiciliary care
• Training care workers to safely administer medicines in care homes
• Medication in Extra Care Housing