Citation

Dickens G, Stubbs J, Haw C. Nurs. Stand. (1987) 2008; 22(22): 35-40.

Affiliation

St Andrew's Hospital, Northampton. gdickens@standrew.co.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Royal College of Nursing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18333555

Abstract

AIM: To examine the delegation of medication administration, including the frequency of delegation, whether delegation was to a care worker or a registered nurse (RN) and whether care workers were directly supervised when administering medication. METHOD: Administration of 1313 medication doses was observed on two inpatient psychiatric wards for older people. RESULTS: Administration was delegated by the nurse preparing the medication for four out of every five doses, usually to another registered nurse (78% of delegated doses), but also to care workers (22%). Care workers were more likely to administer medications to confused and aggressive patients than were registered nurses. CONCLUSION: Care workers who undertake delegated medication administration should receive regular training to ensure safety. Nurses remain accountable for delegated medication administration.

Language: en