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Standards -
The HIQA Standards for Medicines
in Care Facilities
HIQA Standard 14: Medication Management
Each resident is protected by the residential care setting’s policies and procedures for medication management and, where appropriate, is responsible for his/her own medication.
Detailed policies must be put in place to cover safe storage, administration, care and disposal of medicines that comply with the relevant legislation and associated guidance. Pharmacy Prime has a detailed set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each home.
Also, a training requirement is placed on staff under Standard 14: Medicines Management, because the standards require that staff actively promote the resident’s understanding of his/her health needs relating to medication. Residents should be advised as appropriate about the side effects of prescribed medicines and given access if they request it, to the patient information leaflet provided with medicines. The Prescribing, Dispensing and Administration (PDA) Guide is a unique reference source for nurses to facilitate this requirement.
Ideally, residents will self-administer medicines. It must be documented that any associated risks have been assessed and his/her competence to self-administer is confirmed.
Pharmacy Prime can ensure that a pharmacist will attend to the medicines management needs of the residents and home at least weekly, as per professional guidance.
HIQA Standard 15: Medication Monitoring and Review
Each resident benefits from his/her medication to increase the quality or duration of his/her life. He/she does not suffer unnecessarily from illness caused by the excessive, inappropriate or inadequate consumption of medicines.
This standard requires that staff have access to comprehensive, up-to-date
information on all aspects of medication management. This requires
ongoing professional training to staff which Pharmacy Prime will provide
on a 3-monthly basis. Furthermore, it can help the residential care
setting develop and put into place policies and procedures relating
to working arrangements with the pharmacist. Evidence of continuing
education must be documented. Pharmacy Prime will issue attendance
certificates to each person who attends its Thera
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courses.
Pharmacy Prime will also provide residents with medication usage review on at least a 3-monthly basis and these assessments will be provided to the home and general practitioner. These reviews will be based on the Prescribing, Dispensing and Administration (PDA) Guide.