Medication Management: Support for Delivering Services Under Standard 5
As the Aged Care sector transitions to the Support at Home Program, ensuring compliance with Standard 5: Clinical Care has become a critical focus for providers. Medication management plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, participant-centred care while meeting the strengthened Aged Care Standards.
Why is Standard 5 Essential for Providers?
Standard 5 places a strong emphasis on safe and effective clinical care, including medication management.
To meet these requirements, providers must:
Train and certify staff involved in medication handling, ensuring they are competent and confident.
Implement robust policies and procedures to guide safe medication practices.
Maintain effective incident management systems to promptly address errors or adverse reactions.
Document medication-related activities accurately to ensure compliance and accountability.
For providers delivering services under Standard 5, a proactive approach to medication management is not just a compliance requirement but a key component of fostering trust with participants and improving care outcomes.
How can you prepare your team?
Preparing your team for the requirements of Standard 5 and the Support at Home Program involves a strategic approach to training, policy development, and fostering a culture of safety and collaboration.
Here’s how you can get started:
-
Invest in Training
: Provide comprehensive training for all staff, both clinicians and non-clinicians, on safe medication practices, documentation, and person-centred care principles.
- Conduct Skills Assessments: Regularly evaluate your team’s competency in medication management to ensure ongoing compliance and address skill gaps promptly.
- Develop Clear Policies: Establish detailed policies and procedures that outline roles, responsibilities, and best practices for medication management.
- Promote Open Communication: Create an environment where staff feel comfortable reporting medication concerns or errors without fear of retribution.
- Use Technology Tools: Leverage digital tools to streamline documentation, track medication schedules, and monitor compliance with Standard 5.
- Engage Participants: Actively involve participants in decisions about their medication to enhance trust and satisfaction.
By proactively preparing your team, you not only ensure compliance but also position your organization as a leader in delivering safe, high-quality care under the Support at Home Program.
Want to know more?
Join LPA’s Managing Director Lorraine Poulos on 5 March for our online workshop, “Best Practices in Medication Management“. This workshop will give you the skills and knowledge to train others in safe and high-quality medication management. It will clarify exactly what your service needs in place to ensure you can support participants with medication management.
Secure your ticket here
Key Considerations for Delivering Services Under Standard 5
To excel in medication management and align with the Support at Home Program, providers should focus on:
Comprehensive Training: Ensure that both clinicians and non-clinicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage medication safely and effectively.
Collaboration Across Teams: Foster communication and collaboration among care workers, pharmacists, prescribers, and family members to deliver integrated and seamless care.
Participant Centred Practices: Involve participants in decisions about their medications, respecting their cultural preferences and individual needs to create tailored care plans.
Risk Management: Proactively identify and address potential risks, including medication errors and adverse reactions, to safeguard participant health.
Documentation Excellence: Maintain meticulous records to demonstrate compliance with Standard 5 and support continuous improvement.
How LPA Can Help Providers Meet Standard 5 Requirements
LPA offers over 15 years of expertise in supporting providers with specialised training and resources tailored to help aged care providers:
- Understand the core requirements of Standard 5 and how they apply to medication management.
- Develop and refine policies, procedures, and practices to meet compliance standards.
- Build a culture of safety, collaboration, and participant-centred care.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to readiness for the Support at Home Program. Let’s work together to ensure your organisation thrives in this new era of aged care.
Get in touch with the LPA Team
Contact the LPA team below to discuss how we can support your organisation.
