Abstract
AIM: To examine the delegation of medication administration, including the frequency of delegation, whether delegation was to a care worker or a registered nurse (RN) and whether care workers were directly supervised when administering medication. METHOD: Administration of 1313 medication doses was observed on two inpatient psychiatric wards for older people. RESULTS: Administration was delegated by the nurse preparing the medication for four out of every five doses, usually to another registered nurse (78% of delegated doses), but also to care workers (22%). Care workers were more likely to administer medications to confused and aggressive patients than were registered nurses. CONCLUSION: Care workers who undertake delegated medication administration should receive regular training to ensure safety. Nurses remain accountable for delegated medication administration.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 35-40 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Nursing Standard |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 22 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Keywords
- administration
- drugs
- older people
- psychiatric hospitals