There is no legal requirement for staff to have specific medication training before they can administer medication to adults in social care settings, but they must be able to demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge and understanding to do so safely. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates social care in England, says that providers must make sure that staff who administer medication are competent to do so.
Providers should make sure that staff receive the training they need to administer medication safely, taking into account the type of medication and the needs of the people they are caring for. This could include completing a accredited medication administration course.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance on best practice in relation to the administration of medication, which includes a section on training requirements. NICE recommends that, as a minimum, staff should receive training in:
– the types of medication that are used in the service
– how to store medication
– how to administer medication
– the records that need to be kept
– the possible side effects of medication
– what to do if something goes wrong
NICE also recommends that, as part of their induction, all staff should receive training on the policies and procedures of the organisation in relation to the administration of medication.
In addition to specific medication training, it is also important that staff have the necessary literacy, numeracy and communication skills to be able to understand medication instructions and carry out medication administration safely.