Megan Middleton Roles and Responsibilities regarding medication administration Unit 41 P4
P4- Explain the role and responsibilities of individuals with regards to the administration of
medicines in a health or social care setting.
Responsibilities;
Production and manufacturing of medicines
Millions of pounds are invested into developing medicines by drug companies, this is done so that
they can meet the needs of the market that medicines and drugs are told on. Drug companies must
also make sure that every batch is adequate for human consumption, this is done by putting the
correct amount of active drug in it.
Prescribing
Health professionals such as;
GP
Dentist
Nurse following training
Can only prescribe medicines to patients, this is to ensure that not everyone can hand out
medications as this would be dangerous. Examinations must be carried out along with a diagnosis
must be decided before medication is prescribed.
Dispensing
The only health setting that can dispense medication is a pharmacy, this may be regarding
prescription or general sale. This way, medication sold can be noted and advice can be given.
Administrating
Care staff and registered nursing who have received the necessary training can administer
medication. They must be registered to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Strict guidelines
must e followed as well as high standards and protocol for administration of medication.
Administration can take place in;
Supported housing
Day services
Nursing homes
Care homes
Education settings
Sheltered accommodation
Individuals home
A Medication Administration Sheet (MAR) should be filled out or computerised as controlled drugs
require two signatures and a designated key holder for the medication cabinet. The ‘5 Rights’ must
be followed, these are;
Right patient
Right drug
Right dose
Right route
Right time
P4- Explain the role and responsibilities of individuals with regards to the administration of
medicines in a health or social care setting.
Responsibilities;
Production and manufacturing of medicines
Millions of pounds are invested into developing medicines by drug companies, this is done so that
they can meet the needs of the market that medicines and drugs are told on. Drug companies must
also make sure that every batch is adequate for human consumption, this is done by putting the
correct amount of active drug in it.
Prescribing
Health professionals such as;
GP
Dentist
Nurse following training
Can only prescribe medicines to patients, this is to ensure that not everyone can hand out
medications as this would be dangerous. Examinations must be carried out along with a diagnosis
must be decided before medication is prescribed.
Dispensing
The only health setting that can dispense medication is a pharmacy, this may be regarding
prescription or general sale. This way, medication sold can be noted and advice can be given.
Administrating
Care staff and registered nursing who have received the necessary training can administer
medication. They must be registered to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Strict guidelines
must e followed as well as high standards and protocol for administration of medication.
Administration can take place in;
Supported housing
Day services
Nursing homes
Care homes
Education settings
Sheltered accommodation
Individuals home
A Medication Administration Sheet (MAR) should be filled out or computerised as controlled drugs
require two signatures and a designated key holder for the medication cabinet. The ‘5 Rights’ must
be followed, these are;
Right patient
Right drug
Right dose
Right route
Right time
