1.1 Identify key legislation, policies and guidelines relevant to the administration of medication.
The administration of medication is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and guidelines. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these guidelines in order to provide safe, effective, and ethical care to patients.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) is a UK legislation that lays down the legal framework for ensuring the safety of employees and others at work. This includes the safe administration of medication. Under HSWA, employers have a duty of care to their employees and must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and incidents from occurring in the workplace.
The Medicines Act 1968 (MA) is a UK legislation that regulates the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of medicines. This act is relevant to the administration of medication because it governs the licensing of medicines and ensures that only those medicines that have been deemed safe and effective by regulatory authorities can be made available for use by healthcare professionals.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines are a set of guidelines that outline the responsibilities of nurses and midwives in relation to the administration of medication. These guidelines include obtaining informed consent from patients, verifying the identity of the patient, accurately recording the administration of medication, and monitoring patients for adverse reactions.
The General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines are a set of guidelines that outline the responsibilities of doctors in relation to the administration of medication. These guidelines include obtaining informed consent from patients, monitoring the effects of medication, responding to adverse reactions, and ensuring that patients receive safe and effective care.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines are a set of evidence-based recommendations that provide guidance on the safe and effective administration of medication. These guidelines cover a range of topics, including the use of different routes of administration, the management of adverse reactions, and the selection of appropriate medications for specific patient groups.
The Data Protection Act 1998 is a UK legislation that regulates the processing of personal data, including the recording of medication administration in patient records. This act ensures that patients’ data is protected and that their right to privacy is respected.
The Human Rights Act 1998 is a UK legislation that protects individuals’ human rights, including the right to respect for private and family life. This act may be relevant to the administration of medication in certain circumstances, such as when patients refuse treatment or when decisions about medication must be made in the best interests of the patient.
Healthcare professionals must be familiar with these key legislation, policies, and guidelines in order to ensure the safe, effective, and ethical administration of medication. This requires ongoing education and training, as well as a commitment to following best practices and standards of care.
Other answers in the full document:
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2.1 Compare the responsibilities and level of accountability assigned to those involved in the administration of medication.
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3.1 Describe common types of medication and their uses.
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3.2 Explain the different routes of medicine administration.
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3.3 Describe the common adverse reactions to medication and the appropriate action(s) required in line with agreed ways of working.
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4.1 Explain the importance of the appropriate timing of medication.
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5.2 Explain when and how to report any immediate problems with the administration of medication.
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5.5 Explain how to confirm that the individual takes the medication and does not pass the medication to others.