Medication management processes Overview of what is required Suggested approach Examples of evidence A risk register in line with that demonstrates regular review of medicines stock lists to action taken to reduce identified risks. ensure that products and stock levels are aligned to clinical needs A quality improvement plan in line with that includes actions to address issues identified. standardised labelling of storage areas, Examples of improvement activities that have physical separation of products (e.g. look- been implemented and evaluated to reduce the alike, sound-alike products), use of National risks associated with storage and distribution of Tall Man Lettering medicines. inspection of medicine storage areas, facilities Memos, newsletters or other communication and/or equipment to ensure appropriateness material provided to the workforce on safe and of products stocked, levels of stock, expiry secure distribution and storage of medicines. dates, and sustained compliance with Orientation manuals, education resources and medication safety strategies. records of attendance at training by the Where medicine storage risks are identified in workforce on safe and secure distribution and home settings, the workforce should provide storage of medicines. advice to consumers on the safe and Information sheets for consumers on the safe appropriate storage of medicines. and appropriate storage of medicines at home. 4.10.3 The storage of temperature-sensitive medicines is monitored This action is applicable to community health If your community health service distributes or Policies, procedures and/or protocols for the administers temperature-sensitive medicines, safe and effective storage of temperature- services that distribute or administer temperature- review the current arrangements for the storage sensitive medicines in refrigerators and when sensitive medicines. of temperature-sensitive medicines to ensure: being transported. Your community health service needs to ensure policies, procedures and/or protocols are in Policies, procedures and/or protocols for the integrity of temperature-sensitive medicines is place for regular monitoring and recording of management of cold-chain breaches. maintained by: storage temperatures Orientation manuals, education resources and storing medicines according to manufacturer staff with responsibilities for the administration records of attendance at training by the recommendations and storage of temperature-sensitive workforce on safe and effective storage of using equipment allocated solely for medicines are aware of specific requirements temperature-sensitive medicines. pharmaceutical products to protect the integrity of medicines and what action to take if there is a cold-chain breach
Medication management processes Overview of what is required Suggested approach Examples of evidence regular review of medicines stock lists to ensure that products and stock levels are aligned to clinical needs standardised labelling of storage areas, physical separation of products (e.g. look- alike, sound-alike products), use of National Tall Man Lettering inspection of medicine storage areas, facilities and/or equipment to ensure appropriateness of products stocked, levels of stock, expiry dates, and sustained compliance with medication safety strategies. Where medicine storage risks are identified in home settings, the workforce should provide advice to consumers on the safe and appropriate storage of medicines. A risk register in line with that demonstrates action taken to reduce identified risks. A quality improvement plan in line with that includes actions to address issues identified. Examples of improvement activities that have been implemented and evaluated to reduce the risks associated with storage and distribution of medicines. Memos, newsletters or other communication material provided to the workforce on safe and secure distribution and storage of medicines. Orientation manuals, education resources and records of attendance at training by the workforce on safe and secure distribution and storage of medicines. Information sheets for consumers on the safe and appropriate storage of medicines at home. 4.10.3 The storage of temperature-sensitive medicines is monitored This action is applicable to community health services that distribute or administer temperature- sensitive medicines. Your community health service needs to ensure the integrity of temperature-sensitive medicines is maintained by: storing medicines according to manufacturer recommendations using equipment allocated solely for pharmaceutical products If your community health service distributes or administers temperature-sensitive medicines, review the current arrangements for the storage of temperature-sensitive medicines to ensure: policies, procedures and/or protocols are in place for regular monitoring and recording of storage temperatures staff with responsibilities for the administration and storage of temperature-sensitive medicines are aware of specific requirements to protect the integrity of medicines and what action to take if there is a cold-chain breach Policies, procedures and/or protocols for the safe and effective storage of temperature- sensitive medicines in refrigerators and when being transported. Policies, procedures and/or protocols for management of cold-chain breaches. Orientation manuals, education resources and records of attendance at training by the workforce on safe and effective storage of temperature-sensitive medicines.
Guide-to-the-NSQHS-Standards-for-community-health-services-February-2016.docx