Research project
Administration of medicines in care homes (with nursing) for older people by care assistants
- Start date: -
- End date: -
- Value: £7,944
- Partners and collaborators: Funding body: Department of Health Care Sector Nursing Taskforce
- Primary investigator: Professor Karen Spilsbury
- Co-investigators: Dr Dave Alldred, Professor John Baker
Description
Completed research projects.
Aims
The aims of this study were to
- identify and appraise literature on the administration of medicines in nursing homes by care assistants focusing specifically on safety, training needs and processes
- consider the context for the administration of medicines in nursing homes by care assistants through relevant legislation and policy documents
- develop a guidance leaflet for the care home sector on the administration of medicines in nursing homes by care assistants
- disseminate findings of the review and guidance in peer-reviewed publications and practice journals to engage providers with the findings.
Method
A ‘rapid review’ of literature on the administration of medicines in nursing homes by care assistants and related relevant legislation and policy documents (aims 1 and 2). We adopted a streamlined approach to mapping out literature and policy in this area so that we can assemble best quality evidence to inform guidance (aim 3).
The evidence report (aim 1 and 2) provides a summary of the literature, legislation and policy and can be accessed here
A guidance leaflet (aim 3) for care home providers on the administration of medicines in care homes by care assistants was developed and can be accessed here
Dissemination (aim 4) is ongoing following completion of the work in April 2016.
Background
Older people living in nursing homes are among the most vulnerable members of our society, reliant on nursing home staff for many of their everyday needs; including taking their prescribed medications. Research has highlighted the importance of adopting appropriate medication procedures in care homes and NICE have published guidance on all aspects of managing medicines in care homes. Yet the role of the care assistant in medication administration in nursing homes for older people is poorly articulated.
People
Principal Investigator:
Professor Karen Spilsbury, University of Leeds
Co-investigators:
Dr Dave Alldred, University of Leeds
Professor John Baker, University of Leeds
Funding body: Department of Health Care Sector Nursing Taskforce (£7,944)
Contact: Professor Karen Spilsbury, University of Leeds
Publications and outputs
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/518298/Medicines_in_care_homes_A.pdf