Virtual Course (via Zoom)
2 x 2½ hour sessions over 2 days
(you must attend both sessions)
Trainer: Rod Landman
It is estimated that there are 237 million medication errors in the NHS every year, and whilst we don’t have definitive data for social care settings, there is every reason to believe that errors are also common in our sector. Leaders and managers may know about these, but it is likely that some errors go unnoticed and unreported.
This values-led workshop is designed to provide social care managers with all the information they need to manage medication safely and confidently for the people their service supports.
Our approach aligns with that of CQC and other statutory bodies. The programme has been designed to help managers identify, acknowledge, respond to and report medication errors with a view to reducing them and to learn from them.
We promote the development of a positive workplace culture in which staff feel enabled and empowered to speak up if they have concerns, or when they or a colleague make a mistake.
This discussion-based workshop meets the requirement of the CQC strategy, which says that providers should proactively seek, identify and address concerns about poor practice. ARC’s approach encourages a culture of learning rather than blame; a service outlook that is open rather than closed.
Attendance on both days is required.
Course content
- Principles in the management of medication
- Legislation, regulations and guidance governing the management of medication
- Service policy and care planning
- Best practice in ordering, storage and disposal
- Recording and reporting
- Staff training and assessing competence
- Encouraging self medication, MCA and consent
- Risk assessment and enablement
- Over-medication, STOMP and medication reviews
- Medication errors and dilemmas
- Sources of information and support
- Action planning
- Q&A
Course delivery
The course comprises:
- An introductory assignment (self-completion).
- Online workshop (2 x 2.5 hours)
- A final exercise to embed learning in the workplace (self-completion).
The online workshop is on the Zoom Pro platform with experienced tutors. The online session is highly interactive and comprise tutor input, discussions, small group work, case studies and reflections on assignments.
Learners will receive a full suite of handouts in advance to guide their learning.
Introductory Assignment
Learners should familiarise themselves with NICE’s ‘Managing medicines for adults receiving social care in the community’ [NG 67; 2017] and/or ‘Managing medicines in care homes’ [SC1; 2014].
You should then complete a brief assessment of the service you manage in relation to the guidelines:
- How is your service performing in relation to the guidelines?
- Is there anything that gives rise to concern?
- Is there any action you should take?
The assignment should take no more than one hour.
Final Exercise
The workshop concludes with an exercise designed to embed learning in the workplace.
Learners should review the CQC KLOE S4 [2017] (How does the provider ensure the proper and safe use of medicines?) here:
What actions can you take to move your service further towards the characteristics of an ‘Outstanding’ service listed on pp39 – 40?
The assignment should take no more than 1 hour.
Costs:
- ARC Members £95
- Non-members £126