Foundation Course in Medicines Administration Online Course -

Course Overview

Our Foundation Course in Medicines Administration is available as an online module. It teaches medicines administration as a 12 step process. Based on our years of research into why medication errors occur, this course ensures medicines are given in a safe and systematic way, thereby reducing the risk of errors made through complacency. It is based on our face to face workshop that has been shown to reduce medication errors by 36% in a study by Hampshire County Council..

It is aimed at Nurses and care staff working in all settings (both new and experienced staff)

Course Mapping

• The Care Certificate
• CQC Key Line of Enquiry S4 (Proper and Safe Use of Medicines)
• NICE – Management of Medicines in Care Homes, March 2014
• NICE – Management of Medicines in Community Settings, March 2017
• Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) 2014

Course Content

• Start with clean hands
• Prepare equipment and a drink
• Check care plans and the person’s identity
• ‘Start with the chart’ – paper and electronic MAR charts
• Checking MDS blister packs
• Checking the original packs – the 7 point medicines cross check
• Breakdown of a pharmacy label
• Expiry and period after opening dates
• Crushing or spiting tablets
• Cautionary and advisory labels
• ‘Pop and dot’
• Check you’ve prepared the correct number of medicines
• Administering medicines in a person-centred way with appropriate consent
• Stay with/support them to ensure they take it
• Recording medicines taken/refused on the MAR
• Administering oral liquids
• Applying topical medication
• Administering inhalers
• Administering eye drops
• When medicines are declined
• Safe storage of medicines
• Information about medicines