What does the Process of Medication Administration include?

The process of medication administration encompasses several critical steps to ensure safety, compliance, and proper therapeutic outcomes. One of the key components of this process is the record-keeping of administration details. This involves documenting the timing, dosage, route of administration, and any observations noted during the administration of medication. Good record-keeping is essential not just for legal and regulatory compliance but also for ensuring continuity of care. It allows other healthcare providers to review medication histories, assess the effectiveness of therapy, and address any potential issues that may arise.

In assisted living facilities, accurate documentation contributes to a comprehensive understanding of a resident's medication regimen and can help prevent medication errors, ensuring that residents receive the correct medications at the appropriate times. Effective record-keeping also plays a critical role in communication among the care team, allowing everyone involved in a resident's care to be informed about their medication status.

Other aspects, such as assessing resident preferences, analyzing potential drug interactions, and counseling on side effects, are also important but do not directly pertain to the procedural element of medication administration itself. They are part of the overall medication management strategy but are separate from the core process of administering the medication securely and efficiently.