Unit 41 P4 Roles and responsibilities regarding medication administration Megan Scully
P4: Explain the roles and responsibilities of individuals with regards to the administration of
medicines in a health or social care setting.
Responsibilities
Production and manufacture of medicines
Medication organisations finance an incredible sum of money into the research and development of
drugs and medication. The role of medication organisations is the production if drugs and
medications in order to supply for the market demand. Medication organisations are also
accountable for checking each batch of medication is suitable for human consumption, with the
accurate quantity of the active drug within it.
Prescribing
Only specific professionals with the correct training are able to prescribe medications these
professionals could be;
Dentists.
General Practitioners (GP’s).
Nurses, following the correct training.
Dispensing
The only location able to dispense medication is a pharmacy. Here, medication can be provided
alongside advice. Medication can be prescribed as either Prescription (PO) or general sale (GSL).
Administrating
Registered nurses are able to administer medication under the strict guidance and registration of the
NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). Care staff are also able to administer medication once they
have received the appropriate training. Nurses and care staff must follow strict protocols, guidelines
and standards for the administration of medication. The administration of medication can occur in:
Educational areas
Nursing homes
Care homes
Supported housing
Day services
Hospitals
Sheltered accommodation
Individuals own home
There must always be a Medication Administration Records sheet (MAR Sheet) or computerised
equivalent available. Controlled medications necessitate two professional signatures and a
nominated key holder for the medication storage cabinet. Administrators must demonstrate
expertise in the administration of medication.
The 5 rights involved in medication administration that must always be adhered to;
Right patient
Right drug
Right dose
Right route
Right time
Accountability is the responsibility of oneself and of others. It is the accountability that is required of
individuals providing support for other individuals and are responsible for the administration of
P4: Explain the roles and responsibilities of individuals with regards to the administration of
medicines in a health or social care setting.
Responsibilities
Production and manufacture of medicines
Medication organisations finance an incredible sum of money into the research and development of
drugs and medication. The role of medication organisations is the production if drugs and
medications in order to supply for the market demand. Medication organisations are also
accountable for checking each batch of medication is suitable for human consumption, with the
accurate quantity of the active drug within it.
Prescribing
Only specific professionals with the correct training are able to prescribe medications these
professionals could be;
Dentists.
General Practitioners (GP’s).
Nurses, following the correct training.
Dispensing
The only location able to dispense medication is a pharmacy. Here, medication can be provided
alongside advice. Medication can be prescribed as either Prescription (PO) or general sale (GSL).
Administrating
Registered nurses are able to administer medication under the strict guidance and registration of the
NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). Care staff are also able to administer medication once they
have received the appropriate training. Nurses and care staff must follow strict protocols, guidelines
and standards for the administration of medication. The administration of medication can occur in:
Educational areas
Nursing homes
Care homes
Supported housing
Day services
Hospitals
Sheltered accommodation
Individuals own home
There must always be a Medication Administration Records sheet (MAR Sheet) or computerised
equivalent available. Controlled medications necessitate two professional signatures and a
nominated key holder for the medication storage cabinet. Administrators must demonstrate
expertise in the administration of medication.
The 5 rights involved in medication administration that must always be adhered to;
Right patient
Right drug
Right dose
Right route
Right time
Accountability is the responsibility of oneself and of others. It is the accountability that is required of
individuals providing support for other individuals and are responsible for the administration of
