Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 224 • How to determine whether the medication is having the desired effect. • Side effects of the medications that may occur, including any unanticipated side effects. • The skilled nurse/therapist evaluates the patient’s/family’s/caregiver’s competency in adhering to the medication regimen and the instructions provided. The evaluation may include, but is not limited to, the following: • Counting the number of remaining units of the medication remaining to determine whether the correct frequency and dosage has been followed • Having the patient/family/caregiver repeat the instructions during a subsequent visit • Having the patient/family/caregiver demonstrate adherence to the instructions provided at a subsequent visit • The skilled nurse/therapist should document the specific instructions provided, taking into consideration adult learning principles, the patient’s/family’s/caregiver’s needs, cognitive abilities and cultural and ethnic issues. • Documentation of the patient’s/family’s/caregiver’s response to the medication regimen instructions should be specific as to their competency and ability to adhere to the medication regimen. • Other MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. personnel, the ordering physician and/or licensed independent practitioner involved in the patient’s medication management are informed of the patient’s/family’s/caregiver’s progress toward outcomes.