How can you ensure all team members coordinate medication administration safely?

2 Communicate with other team members

Communication is essential for coordinating medication administration safely. You should communicate with other team members about the patient's medication history, current medications, allergies, and potential interactions. You should also communicate with other team members about the medication schedule, administration techniques, and monitoring parameters. You should use clear, concise, and accurate language and avoid abbreviations or jargon that may cause confusion. You should also use standardized tools and methods, such as SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation), handoff reports, or medication reconciliation, to facilitate communication.

3 Follow policies and procedures

Policies and procedures are designed to ensure consistency and quality in medication administration. You should follow the policies and procedures of your organization and your professional standards. You should also follow the evidence-based guidelines and protocols for specific medications or conditions. You should be familiar with the policies and procedures for medication storage, preparation, administration, documentation, and disposal. You should also be aware of the policies and procedures for reporting and managing medication errors or adverse events.

4 Educate and involve patients

Patients are important partners in medication administration. You should educate and involve patients in their medication therapy. You should explain to patients the purpose, benefits, risks, and side effects of each medication. You should also teach patients how to take their medications correctly, how to store them safely, and how to dispose of them properly. You should encourage patients to ask questions, voice concerns, and report any problems or changes in their condition. You should also involve patients in medication reconciliation and verification processes.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

Feedback and improvement are key components of medication administration safety. You should seek feedback from other team members, patients, and supervisors on your medication administration skills and performance. You should also provide feedback to others on their medication administration practices. You should use feedback to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You should also participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as audits, surveys, or simulations, to evaluate and enhance medication administration processes and outcomes.

6 Maintain competence and confidence

Competence and confidence are essential for coordinating medication administration safely. You should maintain your competence and confidence by updating your knowledge and skills on medication administration. You should attend trainings, workshops, or webinars on medication administration topics. You should also review the latest research, guidelines, and recommendations on medication administration. You should seek mentorship, coaching, or peer support to improve your medication administration abilities. You should also practice self-care and stress management to cope with the challenges and demands of medication administration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?