Medication management is a critical component of ensuring client safety and quality care. With QSP, your agency can streamline medication administration, adhere to best practices, and leverage powerful features that support accountability. In this guide, we outline how to configure client medications, set up real-time alerts, customize processes to match your agency’s protocols, and use the QSP mobile app to sign off on medication administration—all while following the six rights of medication management.
The Six Rights of Medication Management
A cornerstone of safe medication administration is adhering to the six rights:
- Right Person: Verify that the medication is administered to the correct client.
- Right Medication: Ensure that the prescribed medication matches what is documented.
- Right Dose: Confirm that the dosage (including the dose per administration) is accurate.
- Right Time: Administer medications at the correct time, including special timing for alternate-day or PRN (as needed) medications.
- Right Route: Use the correct route of administration, whether oral, topical, injection, or another method.
- Right Documentation: Maintain comprehensive and accurate documentation that serves as proof that the medication was administered safely and in compliance with regulations.
Implementing these six rights in your training and daily operations helps prevent errors and supports effective client care.
Configuring Medications in QSP
QSP simplifies the process of setting up medications by providing a uniform interface to enter medication details for each client. Some best practices include:
- Consistent Data Formatting:Use uniform language and formatting in fields such as medication frequency (e.g., “once per day” vs. “1x/day”) to reduce errors and ease information processing for field staff.
- Detailed Medication Information: Each medication entry can include a photo for visual confirmation, brand and generic names, dosage form (tablet, capsule, liquid, injection, etc.), strength, and dose per administration. For example, a medication might be listed as a 10-milligram tablet with a total dose of 10 milligrams per med pass.
- PRN Medications:For as-needed (PRN) medications, include specific instructions such as the allowed interval (e.g., “every 6 hours”) to prevent premature re-administration. Clearly distinguish between scheduled medications and PRN medications in your records.
- Additional Details:Fields for side effects, precautions, special instructions, the prescribed by field (pulled directly from the client’s contacts list), and medication start/end dates help maintain comprehensive records.
Leveraging Real-Time Alerts and Notifications
Real-time alerts are essential for ensuring that medications are administered on time:
- Missed Medication Alerts:QSP can be configured to send push notifications when a scheduled medication is not signed off within the allowable time window. For instance, if an 8 AM medication is due, alerts may begin 15 minutes before the scheduled time and continue at set intervals until the medication is marked as taken or missed.
- Customizable Notification Settings:Set notification parameters to match your agency’s administration window (e.g., 7:45 AM to 9:00 AM for an 8 AM dose). Decide which roles receive these alerts—whether through the mobile app, email, or both—to ensure accountability across the team.
- Tracking Refill Dates and Alerts:Automated alerts for upcoming refill dates help your team manage prescription renewals and ensure that the client’s medication supply is uninterrupted.
Utilizing the QSP Mobile App for Medication Administration
The QSP mobile app empowers field staff to manage medication administration efficiently:
- Access on the Go:Field staff can view client medication lists for the entire day—even if they are scheduled for only part of the day. This flexibility is critical in scenarios where shift overlaps or unexpected schedule changes occur.
- Visual Comparison:With the option to include a photo of the medication, staff can verify that the physical medication matches the record. Zoom-in capabilities ensure that even small imprints on capsules or tablets can be clearly viewed.
- Outcome Selection:After verifying the six rights, staff can select the appropriate outcome (e.g., taken, held with a physician’s order, declined by the client, or natural support if the client self-administers) and submit their sign-off directly within the app. This immediate documentation reinforces accountability and helps prevent errors.
- Real-Time Documentation:All actions are recorded in real time, allowing supervisors to access up-to-date medication history and quickly address any discrepancies.
Generating Reports for Compliance and Quality Assurance
QSP’s reporting tools offer robust capabilities to monitor and document medication administration:
- Medication Tracking Reports:Generate printed or digital reports that detail scheduled doses, administration times, and outcomes for each client. These reports are useful for internal audits and for meeting regional center or DDS reporting requirements.
- Medication Administration History:Access historical data to review trends and follow up on missed or delayed medications. This insight can inform coaching opportunities and help prevent future errors.
- Incident Reporting:In the event of a medication error, field staff can use the QSP mobile app to file a field incident report. These reports include details about which medications were involved, what went wrong, and corrective actions taken.
Conclusion: Transform Your Medication Management Process
By integrating these features, QSP enables your agency to manage medication administration like a pro. Adhering to the six rights, configuring detailed and uniform medication data, leveraging real-time alerts, and utilizing the mobile app for on-the-go administration are all steps toward reducing errors and ensuring client safety.
With expert insights from Michael Doan at Quicks Plus, you now have the tools to transform your medication management processes into a model of efficiency and accountability. If you’re ready to explore how QSP can help your agency meet its medication administration goals, contact us for more information or training support.