CPD Understanding the Safe Handling of Medication

Section 1: Understanding the legislative framework for the use of medication in social care settings

Your employees will look at the legislation that governs the use of medication in social care settings in this section, as well as the different legal classification systems, policies and procedures, and agreed ways of working that surround medication.

Section 2: Know about common types of medication and their use

This section covers the common types of medication and the conditions for which medication is prescribed. Your employees will also look at the changes to an individual’s physical or mental well-being that could indicate an adverse reaction.

Section 3: Understand roles and responsibilities in the use of medication in social care settings

Your employees will look at the roles of responsibilities of those involved with prescribing and dispensing medication, as well where the responsibilities lie in relation to over-the-counter medication.

Section 4: Understand techniques for administering medication

This section covers the routes by which medication can be administered, the different forms in which medication can be presented, and the materials that can assist when administering medication.

Section 5: Be able to receive, store and dispose of mediation supplies safely

In this section, your employees will learn crucial skills, such as how to receive supplies of medication in line with agreed ways of working, store medication in a safe way and dispose of unused or unwanted medication safely.

Section 6: Know how to promote the rights of the individual when managing medication

This section looks at the importance of key principles that need to be considered when administering medication, such as consent, self-medication, active participation, dignity, privacy and confidentiality. You will also learn how risk assessments are used and how ethical issues relating to medication can be addressed.

Section 7: Be able to support use of medication

In this section, your employees will learn how to access information about an individual’s medication, how to support an individual to use medication, how to address any practical difficulties when administering medication and how and when to access information. They will also look at strategies to ensure that medication is used and administered correctly.

Section 8: Be able to record and report on use of medication

Once your employees have completed this section, they will know how to record and report on the use of medication and will be able to report on any problems associated with medication, in line with your organisation’s agreed ways of working.