Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Introduction to Medication Administration

Understand the Role and Responsibilities:

• Identify the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals involved in medication administration.
• Recognize the importance of accurate medication administration in patient care.

Introduction to Medication Management:

• Define key terms related to medication administration.
• Explain the importance of following established protocols and guidelines.

Legislation and Regulatory Framework

Knowledge of Legislation and Guidelines:

• Demonstrate an understanding of relevant legislation and guidelines governing medication administration.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in medication management.

Ethical and Legal Considerations:

• Identify ethical considerations in medication administration, such as patient autonomy and confidentiality.
• Understand the legal implications of medication errors and adverse reactions.

Types and Classification of Medication

Understanding Medication Classification:

• Classify medications based on their therapeutic uses and pharmacological properties.
• Describe the different categories of medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and controlled substances.

Knowledge of Medication Effects and Side Effects:

• Explain the effects and potential side effects of common medications.
• Recognize adverse reactions and interactions between medications.

Principles of Safe Medication Administration

Adherence to the “Five Rights”:

• Apply the principles of medication administration, including the “Five Rights” (right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time).
• Identify strategies to prevent medication errors.

Infection Control and Hygiene Practices:

• Follow infection control procedures to prevent the spread of infections during medication administration.
• Maintain hygiene standards to ensure safe handling of medications.

Medication Storage and Disposal

Safe Storage Practices:

• Describe proper procedures for storing medications to maintain their potency and safety.
• Identify factors that can affect the stability of medications (e.g., temperature, light).

Disposal and Waste Management:

• Demonstrate safe practices for disposing of expired or unused medications.
• Understand environmental considerations related to medication disposal.

Record-Keeping and Documentation

Accurate Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive medication administration records.
• Document medication administration according to legal and organizational requirements.

Understanding of Documentation Tools:

• Utilize medication administration records (MAR) and other documentation tools effectively.
• Interpret and analyze medication-related documentation for patient care planning.

Patient Assessment and Monitoring

Assessment Skills:

• Conduct pre- and post-medication administration assessments to ensure patient safety.
• Recognize signs of adverse reactions and intervene appropriately.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor the effectiveness of medications and patient responses.
• Report changes in patient condition or medication effectiveness to appropriate healthcare professionals.

Communication and Teamwork

Effective Communication Skills:

• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, and colleagues regarding medication administration.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated patient care.

Role of Teamwork in Medication Management:

• Understand the importance of teamwork in preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement medication-related care plans.

Continuing Professional Development

Commitment to Lifelong Learning:

• Recognize the importance of ongoing professional development in medication management.
• Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with best practices and new developments.

Professional Growth and Reflection:

• Reflect on personal practice and identify areas for improvement.
• Seek out opportunities for further education and training to enhance medication management skills.