PATIENT SELF- ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

PURPOSE / POLICY Purpose: To promote correct administration of meds by patients and families/caregivers Policy: Ambercare home health will encourage patient and family/caregiver participation in his/her own home health care and will explain the correct administration of meds as ordered by the attending physician or purchased OTC. Teaching will also include the safe storage of meds (as noted previously)

PROCEDURE The home health nurse will provide an opportunity for the patient to administer his/her own meds. The meds listed at the time of initial and comprehensive assessments and updates will be considered part of the plan of care

PROCEDURE CONTINUED Teach the patient the purpose and side effects of medications and patient’s role in identifying and preventing med errors Assist the patient in setting up meds for the first time Assess the patient’s ability to self-administer meds correctly and DOCUMENT the patient’s response and understanding to teaching Answer questions/concerns DOCUMENT information given to patient regarding the med, date, and time meds are to be given; the teaching of side effects, and any pertinent observations such as patient’s needs, outcome, etc. in the EMR as appropriate

RECOMMENDED PIO INTERVENTIONS Assess meds; effectiveness\duplication\interactions\side effects\regiment adherence Instruct in administration of and documenting medications and response

PROCEDURE CONTINUED Complete the EMR med profile at initial and comprehensive assessment and updates Assess the patient’s use of OTC meds and DOCUMENT Instruct patient regarding safe storage as noted previously