SUMMARY - Safe Medications Management project: Key issues and ...

Table 3: List of BarriersBarrier ItemN reported as No 1 barrierMedication orders/chart 15Administration 12Prescribing 8Dispensing and labelling 3Supply and receipt 1Storage 0Disposal 01.3. Packaging and Charting IssuesA majority of respondents commented specifically on packaging and charting revealing thefollowing results:Packaging:8 (23.5%) used mainly pre-packaged medicines, using bottles/boxes only for respite clientsor in unusual circumstances, and 26 (76.5%) used only pre-packaged medicines.Charting:4 (9%) used both paper and electronic charts,24 (73%) used paper charts only, and5 (15%) used electronic charts only.1.4. Suggested ImprovementsRespondents were asked to nominate 3 key improvements which would enable their organisationto provide more efficient and effective medication management for its clients. Analysis of theresponses highlighted some common themes. There were also a large number of practicalsuggestions on medication practices which could be implemented by an organisation as part of itsown quality improvement system. Since these are not dependent on national strategies, systemsor regulation for implementation at a local level they have not been included here.5