The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a crucial role in supporting people with disabilities across Australia. One of the critical aspects of care under the NDIS is the safe administration of medication. For disability support workers, understanding the NDIS Medication Administration Framework is essential to ensure that medications are administered correctly, safely and in line with established guidelines.
Key Components of the NDIS Medication Administration Management Framework
The NDIS Medication Management Framework is designed to promote the safe administration of medication to NDIS participants. It outlines the responsibilities of disability support workers, the processes for managing medication, and the standards that must be adhered to. The aim of the new NDIS Practice Standards is to ensure that NDIS participants feel confident that their provider administers, stores and monitors the effects of the medications being administered, and that providers work to prevent errors and incidents.
The 2 new overarching Guiding Principles relating to medication management in the community, that were introduced in 2022 include:
1. Person-Centred Care
The NDIS emphasises a person-centred approach to medication management. This means that the preferences, needs, and goals of the participant must be at the forefront of all decisions. Support workers must work closely with participants to ensure they understand their medication regimen and feel empowered in their care.
2. Communicating About Medicines
All medicines-related communications consider health literacy, are ‘person-centred’ and collaborative, and facilitate shared decision-making, advocacy and self-determination.
How Disability Support Workers Can Administer Medication Safely
Disability support workers may be required to administer various types of medication including prescription and non-prescription medications. It’s vital that support workers are effectively trained to manage this process safely.
Administering medication safely is a significant responsibility. Here are some practical tips for disability support workers to ensure they are complying with the NDIS guidelines:
Know the Medications:
Understand the purpose, dosage, and potential side effects of each medication you are administering. Always double-check the medication label and the participant’s medication plan before administration.
Follow the Five Rights of Medication Administration:
Always ensure you have the right participant, right medication, right dose, right time, and right route before administering any medication.
Document Everything:
Record each instance of medication administration accurately, noting the time, dosage, and any observations. This is crucial for ensuring continuity of care and for compliance purposes.
Communicate Clearly:
Keep open lines of communication with participants, their families, and healthcare providers. If you notice any changes in the participant’s condition or have concerns about the medication, report it immediately.
Stay Informed and Trained:
Regularly update your knowledge and skills related to medication administration. Attend training sessions and stay informed about any changes in NDIS guidelines or best practices.
Respect the Participant’s Rights:
Always obtain consent before administering medication and respect the participant’s preferences. If a participant refuses medication, document this and report it to the relevant healthcare professional.
Understanding and adhering to the NDIS Medication Management Framework is essential for disability support workers. Reducing the risk of errors has always been vital but as regulations around compliance and safety evolve so should the systems we adopt. Electronic medication management software is revolutionising the administration of medication in the sector.
At Compact Care, we have developed ‘emma’, the electronic medication management administration software for disability support workers that improves the safety, efficiency and quality of NDIS care.
emma is a cost-effective industry leading Electronic Medication Management (EMM) solution designed to support disability care providers to deliver the highest standard of care.
For more information on how emma can transform your medication management process, call 1800 777 508 or contact us online.