Patient/Carer Information about Self-administration of Medication

On this ward a system is in place to allow you or your carer to be responsible for taking your own medicines. This system is known as self-administration.

A carer may be a parent, guardian, relative, friend or professional carer.

Why should I take part?

Research shows that through the process of a Self-Administration of Medicines Scheme (SAMS) patients become more familiar and confident with the correct use of their medication. You will be given the opportunity to learn about medication through practice and encouragement. This can help you better manage after you have been discharged from hospital.

If none of your medicines have been changed, it allows you to continue taking your medicines as you would at home.

If you are a carer who will be administering medicines at home, it allows you to practice this, or to continue looking after your relative or friend as much as possible while they are in hospital.

If you are used to taking long term medication and the timing of that medication needs to be very precise, by administering those medications yourself it may avoid doses being delayed.

Some patients will experience better quality of care from a SAMS, examples include correct dose timing in Parkinson’s disease and immediate relief of acute conditions such as asthma or pain.

Do I have to take part?

You do not have to take part, even if asked. If you choose not to take part, the nurse will administer your medicines in the normal way. The nurse will also give you or your carer information about them when you go home.

You or your carer can also change your mind about self-administration while you are in hospital. If later on you wish to start or stop being involved just ask your nurse.

What will happen?

Before you start you will have the scheme explained to you to make sure you are completely happy about taking part. 

If you agree, before starting, a trained member of the nursing staff will:

1. Carry out an assessment to ensure you are able to self-administer.

This assessment will also take into account:

• your prescribed medicine routine.
• the suitability of any medicines you have brought from home.
• any potential safety concerns around the wider ward environment.

• Explain what medication you are taking, what they are for and some common side-effects.

3.         Explain the correct dose of your medications and when you should take them.

Following assessment, the nurse will make a decision as to which level of self-administration you are able to undertake.

• Level 1 – The nurse is responsible for the safe storage of your medicines. The nurse will initiate and supervise you throughout the administration process. They will make sure that you understand the medicines being administered.

• Level 2 – The nurse is responsible for the safe storage of your medicines. At administration time, you will ask the nurse to open the medicine locker. You will then self-administer the medicines under the supervision of the nurse.

• Level 3 – You accept full responsibility for the storage and administration of your medicines. At least once per day the nurse will ask you if you have administered you medicines as agreed and if there have been any problems.

A decision may be taken to remove you from the scheme if nursing, medical or pharmacy staff identify a change in any of the following:

• your condition or ability,
• medication
• ward environment. 

You will receive an explanation if this happens.

Your own medicines, if suitable, will be used to start with. This allows you or your carer to continue with familiar medicines and containers and avoids waste. If more medicines are needed or any different medicines are started, they will be supplied by the hospital pharmacy.

Medicines will have a label with your name and full instructions as to how to take them (insulin should have your name but may not include all instructions as this allows you to decide what dose to administer).

If any medicines are changed while you are here, or if medicines brought from home are not suitable for use, we will with your permission return them to pharmacy to be destroyed.

Will I self-administer all my medicines?

The nurse may still give you some medicines while you are in hospital. These may include injections (unless you or your carer normally gives them at home) and some medicines that will not continue when you go home.

Where will I store my medicines?

You will be provided with a lockable medicine cabinet to securely store all your medicines including those brought from home.  The cabinet must be kept locked and the key kept in a safe place not in the lock (a safety pin is attached so that you may secure it to your person).  You must tell the nursing staff at once if you misplace the key or if anyone else tries to access the key or your medicines.

Following a risk assessment, it may be agreed for you not to store your medicines in the locked cabinet but out of sight in an agreed secure location of your keeping.

In this case you will be responsible for making sure that your medicines are not accessible to other patients and visitors.

What if I need to leave the ward?

If you are a patient self-administering your medicines and you leave the ward, even for a short time, you should hand your key to your nurse before leaving and collect it when you return. You must return your key when you are discharged.

If you are a carer administering medicines, you should return your key when you leave the ward. You will also need to tell the nurse looking after your relative or friend which medicines have been given, so they do not repeat the same doses. When you return to the ward, ask the nurse which medicines have already been given before starting again.

Remember

You must inform nursing staff if you feel at any time that you need further support to self-administer your medicines.

You may stop self-administration at any time or take a step back to level 2 or 1 if you feel you need further support.

You may also be stopped from self-administration if thought necessary by nursing, medical or pharmacy staff. You will receive an explanation if this happens.

Do not take more than the stated dose. If you miss a dose or make a mistake, please inform the nursing staff responsible for your care at once.

If you have any questions about your medication, please ask a doctor, nurse or member of pharmacy staff

If not used properly, medicines can be dangerous.

If any visitor or patient tries to take your medication, please tell a nurse immediately.

It is very important that your medicines are checked before you leave the hospital.  You may need to wait a short time once the doctor has said you can go home.

If you have been supplied with a key for a lockable medicines cabinet, please remember to give it to your nurse before going home.

If you have any questions about self-administration, please speak to a member of the nursing team.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]