Medication Administration

Medication Administration: A Guide for Unregulated Care Providers.
Personal Support Workers and unregulated caregivers in the community settings have been given the responsibility to assist with the administration, receiving, dispensing and storing of oral, sublingual, topical rectal and inhalation medications. UCPs/PSWs may assist and ensure that their clients are taking their medications as prescribed by their health care professionals in order to maintain their clients' safety, care, welfare and security. This guide will assist PSWs and UCPs in proficiently managing the task of medication administration and will cover the following three modules:

Module 1: Enhancing Medication Safety in the Community

Objectives:

› to provide an overview of medication safety in the community setting
› to discuss the role of PSWs/UCPs in medication administration in the community
› Present some general knowledge related to medicine
› Inform caregivers about safe use issues, practices and resources
› Discuss strategies to preventing medication errors

Module 2: Medication Administration: The Role of the PSW/UCP

Objectives:

› PSWs/UCPs will learn about the 10 Rights of Medication Administration
› Discuss the medication administration techniques of the following medication routes: skin, ear, eyes, nose, vaginal, inhalation therapy, oral and subcutaneous injections
› Learn how to read medication labels
› Learn how to recognize medications and when they should be used
› Learn the importance of record keeping

Module 3: Insulin Administration & Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives:

› Discuss the role of PSWs/UCPs in administering parenteral medications in the community
› Learn about subcutaneous injection techniques
› Learn about the different types of insulin
› Discuss the role of the PSW in managing signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus in the community setting