How can you improve medication administration orders in palliative care settings?

2 Communicate effectively with the patient and the care team

Communication is key for ensuring safe and effective medication administration orders in palliative care settings. You should communicate regularly and clearly with the patient and their family about their symptoms, concerns, expectations, and preferences regarding their medication regimen. You should also communicate with the other members of the palliative care team, such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and chaplains, to coordinate the medication orders and avoid errors, duplication, or omission. You should use standardized tools and protocols, such as SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation), to facilitate communication and documentation.

3 Review and reconcile medication orders frequently

Medication orders in palliative care settings should be reviewed and reconciled frequently to ensure they are current, accurate, and appropriate for the patient's condition and goals. You should check the medication orders for any discrepancies, errors, interactions, allergies, or contraindications. You should also verify the dosage, route, frequency, and duration of the medication orders and adjust them as needed based on the patient's response and feedback. You should document any changes or clarifications in the medication orders and inform the patient and the care team.

4 Use appropriate tools and strategies to administer medication

Medication administration in palliative care settings can be challenging due to the patient's physical and cognitive status, the complexity of the medication regimen, and the availability of resources. You should use appropriate tools and strategies to administer medication safely and effectively in palliative care settings. For example, you should use smart pumps, bar codes, and electronic health records to reduce errors and monitor medication administration. You should also use patient-centered strategies, such as teaching-back, motivational interviewing, and shared decision making, to enhance medication adherence and satisfaction.

5 Evaluate and monitor the outcomes of medication administration

Medication administration in palliative care settings should be evaluated and monitored regularly to assess the outcomes and impact on the patient's quality of life. You should use valid and reliable tools and measures, such as pain scales, symptom scales, functional scales, and quality of life scales, to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the medication regimen. You should also solicit the patient's and the family's feedback and satisfaction with the medication administration and address any issues or concerns. You should document and report the outcomes and findings of the medication administration and make any necessary changes or improvements.

6 Seek ongoing education and support

Medication administration in palliative care settings requires ongoing education and support to maintain and enhance your knowledge and skills. You should seek opportunities to learn from the palliative care experts, such as physicians, pharmacists, and educators, who can provide you with updated information, guidance, and feedback on medication administration. You should also seek support from your peers, supervisors, and mentors, who can offer you emotional, social, and professional support and help you cope with the stress and challenges of medication administration in palliative care settings.