10.1. Describe the main points of agreed procedures about handling medication

This guide will help you answer 10.1. Describe the main points of agreed procedures about handling medication.

Handling medication safely and correctly is a critical responsibility in social care. Following agreed procedures protects individuals receiving care, ensures compliance with legal regulations, and promotes safe practice. Always remember to follow your own organisation’s policies and procedures.

Legislation and Guidelines

Handling medication is governed by key laws and guidelines that care workers must follow. These include:

• The Medicines Act 1968 – This protects the public by regulating the sale, supply, and administration of medicines.
• The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 – This controls the use of specific drugs to prevent misuse. Schedule-controlled drugs, like morphine, require stricter handling and records.
• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Regulation 12 focuses on safe care, including medication safety.
• The NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Guidelines – These provide evidence-based best practice in medication handling.
• The Equality Act 2010 – Supports equal access to medication for all individuals, respecting their unique needs.

Understanding these legal requirements ensures lawful and safe care. Failure to follow legislation can lead to breaches of safety and serious consequences for organisations and staff.

Storing Medication

Medication must be stored securely to prevent tampering, misplacement, or unauthorised access. Agreed procedures usually include the following:

• Secure storage – Medicines are stored in a locked cabinet or trolley. Keys are kept with authorised staff.
• Controlled drugs cabinet – Controlled drugs, like powerful painkillers, are kept in a separate, locked, and specially designed cupboard.
• Temperature control – Some medicines, including insulin or certain eye drops, require refrigeration. Temperatures must be monitored daily to ensure they remain within safe limits.
• Separation of medicines – Medication for different individuals is stored separately to avoid mix-ups.

Safe storage ensures medicines are handled appropriately and remain effective for use.

Administering Medication

Giving medication is one of the most responsible tasks in care. Procedures for safe administration include:

• Following the prescription or MAR chart – The MAR (Medication Administration Record) chart lists all medicines prescribed for an individual. It includes doses, times, and special instructions, ensuring you give the correct medication.
• Checking the individual’s identity – Verify the person’s name, date of birth, or photo to confirm you are giving the right medication to the right person.
• Checking labels and expiry dates – Always inspect the medication packaging for the correct name, dose, and expiry date to prevent errors.
• Recording administration immediately – After giving medication, document it straight away on the MAR chart. Record any reasons for missed doses accurately.
• Adhering to timings – Some medications work effectively only if given at specific times. Maintain time accuracy unless instructed otherwise by a prescriber.

Safe administration minimises risks, builds individual trust, and prevents harm.

Consent and Supporting Individuals

Obtaining consent before handling or administering medication is essential. Agreed procedures outline the following:

• Gaining consent – Always ask the person if they are ready to take their medication. People have the right to refuse medication unless their refusal puts them at risk under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Supporting self-administration – Some individuals may prefer or be able to manage their medication themselves. Encourage their independence while ensuring safety.
• Respecting preferences – Be sensitive to cultural or religious beliefs that may influence how or when a person takes medication.

Respecting people’s choices fosters a person-centred approach and maintains their dignity.

Recording and Reporting

Clear and accurate records are critical when handling medication. Agreed procedures require the following:

• Documenting administration – Record exactly what medicine, dose, and time were given on the MAR chart.
• Reporting errors – If a mistake occurs, such as giving the wrong medication or dose, report it to your manager immediately. Document what happened, follow your organisation’s error process, and monitor the individual for side effects.
• Documenting refusals – Record any refusals to take medication and notify senior staff. Repeated refusals may need a review with a healthcare professional.
• Incident logs – Record incidents involving damaged, misplaced, or spoiled medication in incident logs for accountability.

Accurate record-keeping ensures accountability and monitors the safety of medicine use.

Disposal of Medication

Expired, unused, or damaged medicines require proper disposal. Agreed procedures involve:

• Returning medication – Any medication no longer needed or expired should be returned to the pharmacy or supply source. Never put medication in general waste bins.
• Using the controlled drugs destruction kit – Controlled drugs have special procedures for disposal, involving witnessed destruction and secure documentation.
• Documenting disposals – Maintain clear records of any returned or destroyed medication, noting dates, quantities, and reasons.

Safe disposal avoids harm to others and prevents environmental contamination.

Training and Competence

Handling medication is a skilled task requiring specific training and competence. Agreed procedures highlight:

• Staff training – All staff handling medication must complete relevant training courses. Topics may include record-keeping, safe storage, and handling methods.
• Competence assessments – Managers regularly check staff competence through observations, quizzes, or shadowing during medication rounds.
• Regular updates – Legislation and medication practices may evolve. Refresher training ensures you stay informed about safe practices.

Training builds knowledge and supports consistent practice in the workplace.

Handling Errors and Incidents

Errors or incidents with medication need careful handling. Agreed procedures state:

• Act quickly – If you realise an error or incident has occurred, act immediately to minimise harm, such as contacting a manager or medical professional.
• Document thoroughly – Record the error or incident clearly and accurately, including what actions were taken. Documentation may involve the MAR chart plus an incident form.
• Learn from incidents – Reflect on what caused the error to avoid recurrence, whether it involved distractions, mislabelling, or poor communication.

Handled well, mistakes can help improve future procedures.

Common Types of Medication in Social Care

Understanding common medications helps you follow agreed procedures. Examples include:

• Tablets and capsules – Usually swallowed with water, but some may dissolve in the mouth.
• Creams and ointments – Applied to skin, often for rashes, dryness, or pain relief.
• Inhalers – Helps those with breathing conditions like asthma.
• Eye and ear drops – Used for eye infections or wax build-ups in the ears.
• Liquids – Measured carefully using syringes or measuring cups.

Knowing these types can help you handle and administer them correctly.

Role of the Care Worker

Care workers have responsibilities around medication but within limits. Agreed procedures often limit some tasks to trained healthcare professionals. For instance:

• Prescribing medication – Only doctors or prescribing nurses have this authority.
• Injecting medication – Some injections (e.g., insulin) may be given by care workers, but only with proper training. Others must be administered by nurse practitioners.
• Assessing treatments – Any decisions about stopping or changing medication must go through a qualified healthcare professional.

By staying within your role, you deliver safer care.

Final Thoughts

Handling medication involves several important steps:

• Following laws like The Medicines Act 1968 and local guidelines.
• Storing medication securely and appropriately.
• Administering medications safely using MAR charts and verifying details.
• Obtaining consent, supporting independence, and respecting preferences.
• Recording accurately and reporting any errors.
• Properly disposing of unnecessary or expired medication.
• Receiving training and maintaining competence.

By adhering to agreed procedures, you reduce risks and protect the health and well-being of individuals in your care.