Guidance

Careful use of effervescent or soluble tablets to deliver part tablet doses for children and neonates can minimise risks of toxicity or suboptimal therapy.

Assessment and secure storage for the self-administration of medicines

Suitable medicines must be stored safely and securely in accordance with organisational policy, while still supporting self-administration

Implementation considerations for the self-administration of medicines

Patients under hospital care should be supported to continue self-administering unless there are good reasons why they are unable to

Duties and responsibilities for the self-administration of medicines

Duties and responsibilities are outlined for both staff and patients during the process of self-administration of medicines (SAM)

Self-administration of medicines

Self-administering medicines in hospital can benefit patients and organisations alike and should be encouraged wherever it is safe to do

Medicine administration by registered and non-registered staff

Administration of medicines needs to be undertaken by appropriately trained healthcare staff operating under a legal governance framework

Using solid oral dosage form antibiotics in children

Crushing or dispersing whole solid dosage forms or opening capsules is an "off-label" use. This includes use for Group A streptococcal infections.

SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service

NHS

Guidance

Patient Group Directions

Administering

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