Stow College

Safe Handling of Medicines Level 2

The course is a home learning programme, fully supported by Stow College.  Support is provided by a tutor, responsible for assignments and assessments (as appropriate).  The tutor responds and communicates with the learner in the way the learner chooses, and can be by email, telephone and regular written communication.  Guidance is provided by the tutor, as required.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements.

Course Content

This accredited programme is designed for all health care staff whose duties may bring them into contact with medication. It would benefit all those seeking clear guidelines and advice regarding the various elements of safe administration of medicines.  The aim of this distance learning programme is to provide the student with a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of working with medicines. On completion of the programme the learner will be familiar with the correct procedures for the administering, handling and disposal of medicines.

The course consists of 14 modules:

• Ordering of Medicines – Prescriptions / Supply / Verbal orders.
• Storage of Medicines – General considerations / Mobile storage / Cold storage.
• Administration of Medicines.
• Self Administration of Medicines – Labelling / Service user education / Medicine/compliance devices.
• Homely Remedies.
• How Oral Medicines Work.
• Refusal of Medicines.
• Controlled Drugs – Storage of controlled drugs / Temazepam / Oramorph / Controlled drug register / Administration of controlled drugs / Disposal of controlled drugs.
• Common Side Effects from Medicines in the Older Service User – Hypnotics and sedatives /Neuroleptics / Antidepressants / Digoxin / Diuretics / Anti-inflammatory medicines /Anti-hypertensiveness / Analgesics.
• Errors Associated with the Administration of Medicine.
• Oxygen Therapy in a Care Home – Nasal cannulae / Oxygen mask / Oxygen concentrators.
• Disposal of Medicines – Safe disposal.
• Confidentiality
• Competency in Clinical Practice.