Component Task: Educating a Client on Medication at Home

This is a process where the RCPN teaches and gives information on the client’s medication. This is to enlighten the client on the therapeutic and adverse effects of medications.

Aims

·         Ensure the client understand the therapeutic and adverse effect of the medication in order to make an informed decision about the treatment

·         Prevent abuse/addiction

·         Enhance compliance to treatment regimen

·         Prevent overdose and under dose of medication

Requirements

·         A Well-Equipped home visit bag (refer to content)

·         Community Map and or GhanaPost Global Positions System (GPS)

·         Manual/electronic area register/ records of the group

·         Means of Transportation

·         Teaching learning materials e.g. diagrams, flyers, projectors, videos etc.

Steps

1.        Read map of the community or use GhanaPost Global Positions System (GPS) address to identify the location of the client’s home

2.      Announce your presence, enter on response, greet and establish rapport (refer to procedure) with client, family and significant others

3.      Ensure privacy and confidentiality by asking the client to identify a suitable place for the interaction

4.      Ask client to make himself comfortable in a desired by position

5.      Explain the purpose and importance of the education

6.      Find out client’s level of awareness on medication in a language that client understands and educate him base on the awareness

7.       Explain to client the rational for treatment and possible outcome

8.      Show type of medication(s) and explain method of administration to client

9.      Educate client on quantity of medication to take at a time

10.    Educate client on the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of the medication(s)

11.      Educate client to report to the hospital when adverse effect is noticed

12.    Demonstrate to client how to store medication at home safely

13.    Educate client on the importance of laboratory follow-ups if prescribed

14.    Explain the role of care giver/family members in the administration of medication at home

15.    Allow client to ask questions and answer them professionally

16.    Educate and encourage client and or significant others to read attached medication information leaflet when available

17.    Provide client with simple pamphlets or credible website on the medication for further information if available

18.    Ask for feedback to ascertain client’s understanding

19.    Summarize the education to the client and emphasize on the importance of follow-ups

20.  Document procedure in the report book

21.    Express appreciation for client’s cooperation and depart