2.1. Describe person-centred ways of administering medicines whilst adhering to administration instructions

This guide will help you answer 2.1. Describe person-centred ways of administering medicines whilst adhering to administration instructions.

Administering medicines in health and social care settings means helping a person to take the medicines they need. A person-centred approach puts the individual’s preferences, needs, and values at the heart of every decision. Each person is treated as unique, with their wishes respected at every stage.

In a person-centred approach, the person’s rights, choices, and dignity guide your actions. This includes the way you offer, give, and record medicines. You follow prescription instructions correctly, always taking the person’s wellbeing seriously.

What is Person-Centred Care?

Person-centred care means seeing the person as an individual, not just as a patient or a list of needs. It means respecting their past, their choices, and their independence. In supporting someone with medicines, this affects how you speak to them, what information you share, and how much control they have over their medicines.

Person-centred care values each person’s wishes. Some people want to be involved in every stage of their medication routine. Others prefer staff to handle everything. You must ask about, listen to, and record these wishes.

Principles include:

• Treating each person with dignity and respect
• Providing choice and control
• Supporting independence and confidence
• Communicating clearly and with empathy

Involving the Person in Their Medication

Involving the person means they:

• Know what medicines they are taking and why
• Have information given in a way they understand
• Can ask questions and express doubts or concerns
• Feel able to refuse medicines (unless lacking capacity and it poses risk)

You can do this by:

• Explaining names, purposes, timings, and side effects of medicines in plain words
• Providing written and verbal information
• Encouraging questions, listening carefully, and responding honestly

If a person wants to hold their own medicines, support this if it is safe. For example, some people can self-administer with some prompts or supervised checks. Always follow the risk assessment and care plan.

If a person refuses a medicine, record the refusal, report it, and try to understand the reason. Never force medication. Discuss options with the person or involve the manager, pharmacist, or GP if needed.

Respecting Choice and Independence

Some people prefer to take their medicines with water, juice, or certain foods. Others may want privacy, or might like to have medication at a certain time to fit their routine. If the medicine instructions allow, fit the medicine around the person’s lifestyle.

Adjusting routine (within prescription guidelines) helps the person feel in control. If tablets can be taken with food, offer a choice of snack. If it suits the person to take medicines after breakfast, check with instructions, then help set up this routine.

Supporting independence might mean prompting the person or leaving their tablets within reach for them to take. Others need more direct help, but always encourage them to do as much as they can themselves.

Communication Methods

Effective communication helps you understand the person’s views, and helps them understand what is happening. This reduces confusion and anxiety. Communication should be clear, kind, and adapted to the person’s needs.

For example:

• Use plain language, avoiding medical jargon
• Offer written instructions in large print or pictorial format if needed
• Check understanding by asking the person to repeat information
• Be patient, listen, and give time for questions or concerns
• Use hearing aids or glasses if these help the person

If the person does not speak English as a first language, or has learning or communication needs, use interpreters, sign language, visual aids, or other communication tools.

Always ask the person how they prefer to be addressed, and follow their lead.

Personalising How Medicines Are Given

Medicines come in different forms — tablets, liquids, creams, patches, or injections. Person-centred care means considering which form suits each person’s needs.

For some, swallowing tablets is hard. The GP or pharmacist may be able to prescribe a liquid, dispersible, or patch form instead. Some people worry about taste, allergies, or religious needs. For example, gelatin capsules could be unsuitable for vegetarians or for religious reasons.

Make sure you check:

• The person’s preference for medicine form
• Any allergies or dietary/religious requirements
• Any history of choking or swallowing problems
• Whether medicines must be given with or without food

If changes are needed, ask the GP or pharmacist for advice. Never crush tablets or open capsules without guidance, as this can alter how medicines work.

Giving Information About Medicines

Giving information is a key part of person-centred care. People must know what they are taking and the possible effects. Many people find medicine names confusing, or do not know why they need them.

Give information by:

• Telling the person the medicine name, what it does, when to take it, and how to take it
• Using medicines information leaflets, or printing summaries in large print or other formats
• Explaining side effects or warning signs, but not alarming unnecessarily
• Checking their understanding and repeating information if needed
• Answering questions honestly — if you do not know, say so and find out

Clear information increases trust, reduces anxiety, and helps the person feel respected.

Adhering to Prescribed Administration Instructions

Person-centred care does not override the need to follow safe and legal procedures. You must give medicines as prescribed, following:

• The name and dose
• The right medication for the right person
• The route (tablet, cream, injection, patch)
• The correct time and frequency
• Any special instructions (for example, before food, dissolve in water, or avoid certain drinks)

Prescribed instructions are there for several reasons:

• Medicines work best when taken as directed
• Giving at the wrong time or in the wrong way can cause harm
• Some medicines interact with food, drink, or other medicines

If an error happens, report it immediately. Do not try to cover up mistakes. Always record what happened, who was told, and what action was taken.

Maintaining Dignity and Privacy

People have a right to complete privacy when taking medicines. Always protect their dignity and confidentiality. For example, do not discuss personal medicines details in public areas. Offer support discreetly. Knock before entering a room, and close doors or curtains if needed.

If someone needs intimate support, like applying creams or giving suppositories, explain each step, and respect their comfort levels. Let the person choose who supports them where possible.

Respecting Cultural, Religious, and Personal Preferences

Culture and religion often affect how medicines are used. Some people cannot take pork, beef, or alcohol-based medicines. Others must avoid swallowing tablets during certain religious fasts.

Always check with the person or their family/carer about:

• Food or drink restrictions
• Use of animal-derived ingredients
• Times when medicines must not be taken (for example, during Ramadan fast)

If a prescribed medicine might conflict with personal beliefs, contact the pharmacist or prescriber for alternatives. Never make assumptions about what is or is not acceptable for someone.

Safe Storage and Handling

Person-centred practice means storing personal medicines in a way that respects the individual’s wishes, while keeping people safe. Some may want to keep medicines in their room or carry them with them. If risk assessed as safe, and if this fits the care plan, then support this.

If safe storage is needed (for example, to prevent others from accessing medicines), explain the reason. Involve the person in decisions about where medicines are kept. Always store medicines in safe, locked areas if the person lacks capacity or there is a risk of harm.

Accurate Record-Keeping

Accurate records support person-centred care. Complete and up-to-date records show:

• What was given, when, and by whom
• Any refusals, missed doses, or errors
• The person’s views or concerns
• Changes in medicines or health

Keep records private, accessible only to authorised staff. Accurate logs support good handovers between staff and help spot problems early.

Supporting Consent and Mental Capacity

Everyone has the right to make their own choices about treatment. People must give consent before you help them with medicines, unless they lack capacity.

Capacity means being able to understand and make decisions. If someone cannot consent (for reasons such as dementia, stroke, or confusion), act in their best interests, following the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

If you are unsure if someone can consent, ask your manager or seek professional advice. If a person regularly refuses medicine, and this puts their health at risk, escalate to the nurse, pharmacist, or GP.

Working With Families and Friends

Sometimes, family or friends help the person with medicines. Involving those close to the person can support independence, understanding, and safety. Always follow what the person wants. If they do not want family involved, respect this.

Friends and family may notice changes or help with reminders. Record their feedback and encourage them to share concerns.

Reporting Concerns and Side Effects

If the person shows signs of a reaction or new symptoms after taking medicines, act swiftly. Observe, report, and record changes like:

• Rash or swelling
• Sickness or diarrhoea
• Confusion or unusual behaviour
• Difficulty breathing

Contact medical help if needed. Inform the family if appropriate. Continue to treat the person as an individual, explaining what happens next.

Training, Supervision, and Accountability

Health and social care workers need training to administer medicines safely and in line with person-centred principles. Only give medicines if you are trained and authorised to do so.

Supervision from experienced staff, and regular skill checks, support best practice. If unsure about any step, ask for help rather than risk mistakes.

Being accountable means doing the right thing, noting and reporting concerns, and following both law and policy.

Examples of Person-Centred Medication Administration

Here are some examples you might see in practice:

• A woman taking tablets at her bedside with her morning tea, as this is her habit from home
• A man with swallowing problems, offered a liquid medicine rather than a tablet
• A carer explains each step, checking the person is ready before giving each item
• A person declining a medicine; the carer records the refusal, explains the risks, and offers again later without pressure
• Using a talking alarm to prompt a person with memory loss, helping them stay independent
• A Muslim resident refusing tablets during the Ramadan fast; the carer documents this and arranges support with a pharmacist and GP

Identifying and Avoiding Errors

Carefully check:

• The person’s identity (ask name or check photos if needed)
• The medicine label against the administration record
• Expiry dates and storage instructions
• Any changes in medicines or communication from the pharmacy, GP, or family

Common mistakes include:

• Giving medicine at the wrong time
• Mixing up medicines between people
• Not recording doses
• Ignoring changing health needs

Always double-check, and if in doubt, ask for help.

Final Thoughts

Person-centred administration of medicines means much more than following a routine. You look at the individual’s needs, choices, strengths, beliefs, and lifestyle. Every decision is made with the person, not just for them.

At the same time, you follow all instructions on how and when to give medicines, respecting the law, safety, and professional guidance. Good communication, respect for choice, accurate records, and safe practice go together.

This creates a safe, respectful, and empowering approach to supporting people with their medicines.