Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. MEDICATION ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL Purpose: To provide a standardized approach to evaluating patient ability to administer medications. A Observe the patient performing preparatory activity (e.g., gathering medication supplies or moving to area where medications are routinely stored/organized). A Is the process organized? A Identify compliance aids used. A If the patient does have assistance, determine (through observation and interview) if the assistance is necessary. Ask patient to demonstrate how he/she takes his/her medication. Ask if the patient has any help to prepare or select the appropriate medications. Instructions field staff Observation/Assessment A Is the process appropriate as described? A Correct dosage, time, and frequency? A Check the patient’s response against the directions for his or her specific medications. Once the medication supplies are assembled (or accessed): Ask the patient to describe how he or she would proceed with taking his or her medicines (i.e., ask specifically, “What would you do first? Second?” etc.) If ability to sequence the multi-step medication administration task is not evident: Ask the patient to demonstrate a multi-step medication administration task (i.e., “Please show me how you would open your medicine bottles and take your medication.”) A Does the patient demonstrate ability to appropriately complete all steps in the task? A Selects the appropriate bottles A Opens each one and selects the correct dosage prior to closing lid(s) A Takes medication as directed A Closes lid(s) and returns bottles to storage area. A Review calendar, diary, list, pillbox, etc. to determine compliance. A Select one medication with known start date and count pills to verify compliance. A Does patient have any established daily routines which are, or could be, tied-in to medication administration? Check adherence: As part of the comprehensive assessments AND; On an ongoing basis. Home Health Agency - - Skilled Professional Services D-53