COURSE OVERVIEW:

Assisting clients with medication is a critical aspect of healthcare provision, particularly in settings such as aged care facilities, hospitals, and community care services. This course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to safely and effectively support clients with their medication needs. Covering various aspects of medication management, from preparation to distribution and documentation, this course ensures that healthcare workers are well-prepared to meet the medication-related needs of their clients.

Prepare to Assist with Medication: In this section of the course, participants will learn essential preparation steps before assisting clients with medication. This includes understanding medication schedules, dosages, and administration routes, as well as adhering to relevant policies and procedures. Participants will also learn about the importance of medication safety measures, such as double-checking medication orders and identifying potential medication errors.

Prepare the Client for Assistance with Administration of Medication: Preparing clients for medication administration is crucial for ensuring their comfort, cooperation, and understanding of the process. This section of the course focuses on effective communication techniques, respectful interactions, and strategies for gaining client consent. Participants will also learn how to address client concerns, provide clear instructions, and promote client autonomy and independence wherever possible.

Support Clients with Administration of Medication: The core of medication assistance lies in supporting clients with the actual administration of medication. This section of the course covers a range of topics, including medication delivery methods, techniques for assisting clients with swallowing medication, and strategies for managing resistant or non-compliant behaviour. Participants will also learn how to monitor clients for adverse reactions or side effects following medication administration.

Handle Medication Contingencies: Despite careful preparation and administration, medication contingencies may arise that require prompt and effective intervention. This section of the course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to handle common medication contingencies, such as missed doses, medication refusal, or medication errors. Participants will learn appropriate response protocols, communication strategies, and reporting procedures to mitigate risks and ensure client safety.

Complete Medication Distribution and Documentation: The final step in the medication assistance process involves accurately documenting medication administration and distribution activities. In this section of the course, participants will learn about documentation requirements, record-keeping practices, and confidentiality protocols. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of maintaining accurate and comprehensive medication records to facilitate continuity of care and ensure accountability.

By the end of this course, participants will have gained the necessary competencies to assist clients with medication safely, ethically, and with a client-centred approach. With a focus on holistic care, effective communication, and adherence to best practices, healthcare professionals will be well-prepared to meet the medication-related needs of their clients in various healthcare settings.

This course is designed to align with the content outlined in the Nationally Recognised Unit of Competency HLTHPS006.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

·       Establish scope of own ability to provide assistance with medication according to organisation guidelines and jurisdictional regulatory requirements

·       Identify lines of authority to delegate the task, accountability and actions to be taken to handle contingencies

·       Confirm that equipment and all forms of medication to be administered are complete, ready for distribution and up to date

·       Confirm with supervisor the authority to proceed with assisting in the processes used in the delivery of medication to clients

·       Follow infection prevention and control procedures

·       Prepare the client for assistance with administration of medication

·       Clarify specific assistance required to address personal needs of each client

·       Identify level and type of supervision required by client for assistance with medications within organisation policies and work role responsibilities

·       Correctly identify and greet each client, explain administration procedures, and prepare them for medication

·       Check individual client medications according to organisation procedures

·       Prior to assisting a client with their medication, checking for the presence of any physical or behavioural changes and reporting to a supervisor or health professional

·       Recognising circumstances in which medication administration should not proceed and seeking the advice of a supervisor or health professional

·       Support clients with administration of medication

·       Prompting the client to take medication at the correct time

·       Preparing medications and supporting clients with the administration of medication according to legislation, organisation policies, medication requirements, and individual care plans

·       Making checks to ensure the right medication is given at the right time, to the right person, in the right amount, via the right route  

·       Overseeing and observing clients when taking medication and confirming with them their ingestion or completion

·       Implement documented procedures for medication not being administered or absorbed

·       Complete medication administration records according to organisation procedures and regulatory requirements

·       Observe client for changes in condition and report to supervisor or health professional as required by organisation procedures

·       Handle medication contingencies

·       Reporting any concerns with the administration of medication to supervisors and/or health professionals involves following organisation procedures and protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of clients

·       Identifying, reporting, recording, and addressing individual's reactions to medication is crucial for ensuring client safety and well-being

·       Clearly identifying contaminated or out-of-date medication and implementing the organisation’s procedures for safe and appropriate disposal is crucial for maintaining medication safety and preventing potential harm to clients

·       Identifying, reporting, and recording changes in an individual’s condition within essential timeframes, where relevant, is essential for ensuring timely interventions and appropriate healthcare management

·       Identify procedures to address/respond to changes in the client’s condition or needs according to the organisation’s guidelines

·       Promptly report any inconsistencies observed with the medication or client to the supervisor or health professional and take action according to their direction

·       Document and address all inconsistencies according to organisation guidelines and procedures

·       Complete medication distribution and documentation

·       Discard waste products according to organisation procedures and manufacturer’s instructions

·       Collect used equipment, discarded medications/applicators and rubbish and place in appropriate/designated receptacle according to instructions

·       Clean and store unused and used medication containers and administration aids in accordance with infection control guidelines

·       Follow the organisation’s arrangements and procedures to replenish dose administration aids and supplies of medications

·       Store medication charts, care plans, or treatment sheets according to organisation procedures

·       Complete medication storage procedures in compliance with legislation and own role responsibility

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.