Medication administration Assignment Sample

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Introduction

The purpose of this reflection is to demonstrate the clinical skill of medication administration and relate it to the provision of person-centred, safe care. Throughout the reflection, Driscoll, (2006), Model of Reflection will be utilised to guide and enable critical thought. It centres on three major questions: "What?" describes setting the scene, "So What?" presents analysis of the incident, and "Now What?" outlines plans for future practice. Reflective practice is a very important aspect of professional growth whereby healthcare practitioners are allowed to identify strengths, work on weaknesses, and overall improve the quality of care provided. For students seeking to improve their academic work, assignment writing help is available to assist in articulating these reflective insights clearly and professionally. 

This reflection is going to be about an episode of care carried out for a 67-year-old Jewish male diagnosed with bipolar disorder and early-onset dementia during my placement in Kings College Hospital. The medication and one tub of yoghurt being given to him as part of the care were specifically asked if they were kosher by the patient. His worries needed to be handled with regard to cultural awareness, communication, and within the professional duty of care. This assignment will ensure that confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the provision of the NMC, Code 2018, whereby no patient information or name or initials that will identify the patients, staff members, or any clinical areas in which patients were cared for will be identified. The reflection will refer to cultural competence, effective communication, and safe medication practice and pinpoint their linkage with providing person-centred care and professional nursing practices.

Medication administration Assignment Sample

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Michael Brown 7 Years | MSc

What?

This was a scenario that happened at Kings College Hospital in London, whereby I was involved in the administration of medication to a 67 year old Jewish man who had bipolar disorder and early-onset dementia. The episode demanded a thoughtful approach in the regard of cultural sensitivity, appropriate communication, and observance of guidelines by a professional because the patient showed apprehension about the kosher status of his medication and one tub of yoghurt offered during care.

Cultural Sensitivity in Medication Administration

One central issue involved understanding the patient's cultural and religious needs in relation to kosher. Medication and food intake were compelled to be approved according to kosher standards for maintaining respect toward his belief. Brady et al., (2021), relate that religious and cultural preferences are taking a key role in person-centred care. This engagement made clear how necessary it is to actively validate dietary and medication predispositions in patients as part of increasing trust and compliance with treatment modalities. However, I had limited knowledge of kosher regulations, which made me realise the need for further education and preparation in this area.

Effective Communication and Rapport Building

Effective communication played the key role in the solution of her problem. This ability to listen attentively and respond with sympathy helped me establish rapport and inform her that medicine and yoghurt were kosher. Good communication has been shown to improve patients' satisfaction and reduce anxiety (Anderson, 2021). It confirmed my belief in the need to adjust my communication to meet the specific needs of each patient. The patient showed his appreciation through the effort he took to respect his beliefs; thus, validating that rapport helps achieve person-centred care.

Supervision During Medication Administration

As a student nurse, it was ensured that the administration of medications was done with direct supervision with a registered nurse present to reflect the NMC Code 2018, which has clearly stipulated that this must be undertaken to ensure patients' safety is protected. A guide was provided with the supervising nurse on the suitability of the medication round or providing constructive feedback. Rothwell et al., (2021), identifies supervision as enabling the reduction in errors and developing professionally. This collaboration and teamwork have proved to be very vital in a clinical setting where the healthcare professionals work together within the multidisciplinary team. This episode has underlined some of the key features of safe, holistic care: cultural sensitivity, efficient communication, and supervision; these key points provide a base for further reflection and learning.

So What?

Cultural Sensitivity in Medication Administration

Cultural sensitivity is part of person-centred care; thus, cultural and religious beliefs of patients are put into consideration during treatment. The patient was concerned if the medication and food she got were kosher. Kosher dietary laws have a specified manner of doing things, including not consuming non-kosher animals, separating meat products from those containing dairy, and proper methods of preparation (Cappucci, 2021). These principles extend into medications, wherein the inactive ingredients like gelatin or lactose may not meet kosher standards. As supported by research by Walkowska et al., (2023), cultural competence plays a major role in health, increasing trust, compliance, and overall satisfaction of patients. In this scenario, such insensitive behaviour could have led to the refusal of treatment by the patient, which may have threatened her life; the care provided met their concern and made sure the medication was kosher-friendly. The NMC Code 2018 reinforces providing individualised culturally competent care by requiring nurses to respect patients for their values and beliefs, giving them dignity, and providing person-centred care. Cultural competence increases patient satisfaction, but it also improves clinical outcomes since patients are more trusting and likely to adhere to prescribed treatments. Campinha-Bacote's work, revealed that healthcare professionals who had received training in cultural competence reported fewer cases of refusal of treatment by patients from other backgrounds (Villarroya, 2023). In such a case, addressing the patient's needs regarding their diet would mean upholding not only person-centred care principles but also professional accountability for compliance with the NMC Code.

Effective Communication and Rapport

Effective communication is an essential part of nursing practice, particularly when dealing with complex needs as those of the patient concerned. It is only through clear communication that the trust of the patients can be won, they can be understood, and their safety ensured, especially while medication is concerned. In this case, the explanation given by the nurse regarding the medication being kosher compliant has helped the patient get rid of his apprehensions. It is estimated that effective communication reduces the chances of medication errors and improves compliance with the medication regime (Laatikainen et al., 2022). In this case, communication barriers were compounded by the patient's bipolar disorder and early-onset dementia, which may affect comprehension and the ability to articulate concerns. Changes in the approach to communication, such as using simple language, repeating key points, and using non-verbal cues, were of significant importance in this context as it would establish whether the patient understands. Bright, and Reeves, (2022), in their research, have identified that individualising communication with patients with cognitive impairments is of utmost importance as effective and empathetic communication greatly enhances patient outcomes.

It was at this stage that the establishment of rapport became equally important: building trust through consistent, respectful interactions ensures the patient feels heard and valued. As it states within the NMC Code 2018, treat them with dignity and respect; this includes listening to any of their worries and concerns actively and responding sensitively. For instance, one systematic review by Bamforth et al., (2023) established that nurses who valued rapport and clear communication indeed had higher levels of patient satisfaction and less misunderstanding in care. By prioritising effective communication and rapport, the nurse made sure the patient was treated respectfully and that she was heard; this helped build trust and enhanced the care experience. This also meets the principles of person-centred care and supports adherence to professional standards.

Supervision and Safety in Medication Administration

Safe medication administration is a sensitive area in nursing that requires strict adherence to protocol and professional guidelines. As a student nurse, I was not able to administer medication independently; this had to be done under the supervision of a registered nurse. This is important in ensuring safety for the patient and an opportunity for learning and professional growth. The NMC Code (2018) has highlighted the role of supervision in nursing practice, emphasising accountability and support for students by professional nurses during clinical placement. There are many stages of medication administration, including prescription, dispensing, preparation, administration, and monitoring. All the aforementioned stages must be paid exceptional attention to detail in order to avoid perils or defects in this highly delicate line of activity. For example, correct dosages, route, and time must be followed to avert any harmful after-effects of such medication. Almost half the number of cases has resulted in medication errors due to administrative errors according to Green, (2022), thus proving that only proper checking of policies must be implemented for their strict following.

Supervision here had played a dual role, a way of ensuring safety but also one of facilitating learning. In this case, the supervising nurse had been able to facilitate the student's response to patient concerns while ensuring safe administration. The supervisor's feedback was just great, highlighting areas for improvement and also areas where cultural sensitivity and communication in the delivery of care were appropriate. The supervisor showed me the ways of checking on the kosher status of medications using appropriate resources, and it raised my confidence and ability to do the same in other situations. The incident really brought into my thoughts the importance of supervision for safety and professional growth. High standards of care are maintained by following the care plan and seeking supervision where necessary, which is also a requirement of the NMC Code and a principle of safe practice.

Now What?

Cultural Competence and Knowledge of Religious Practices

Consequently, I will always make efforts to develop my cultural competency regarding religious practices that guide the choice of kosher or any other diet. This is particularly so because, when offering a person-centred approach, it is of prime importance to acknowledge a patient's particular needs as it pertains to their culture, whether the need be about kosher compliance, for example, or otherwise. I will continue studies regarding different religious and dietary practices as a way of providing appropriate care that considers a patient's values. This will develop confidence and improve trust in patient care, as directed within the NMC Code of 2018; it emphasises treating individuals with dignity while respecting their decisions.

Enhancing Patient-Cantered Communication

Communication will be used effectively to deliver personalised care to patients with cognitive impairments such as dementia and bipolar disorder. I will work on refining my skills in communicating using simple, clear language and not forgetting the non-verbal communication way. This will enable me to get a deeper understanding of the needs and thus address them to make these patients feel heard and their opinions put into consideration when making decisions regarding their care. Improvement in communication will help me to meet the NMC Code, 2018, standard for treating patients with dignity and respect and improve rapport and trust.

Adhering to Protocols for Medication Safety

I will follow the guidelines on medication administration strictly to ensure patient safety. This includes double-checking dosages of medications and making sure that all prescribed medications meet cultural or dietary requirements. Following established guidelines on safe medication practices enables me to minimise the risk of errors and maintain patient safety, which is one of my prime responsibilities according to the NMC Code 2018.

Developing a Professional Plan for Continuous Learning

I do know the importance of keeping oneself updated about medicines and their practices. I will update my knowledge through continuous professional development through attending workshops and training and thus provide evidence-based care. This will help me in growing as a health professional, delivering high-quality, safe care, and updating the evolution of professional practice.

Conclusion

The reflection has been invaluable for my professional practice through deep insights that person-centred care, consideration of cultural sensitivity, and communication are present in medication administration. It is from reflection on this case regarding the patient's cultural preference and the concern about her medication that I have better understood how these factors influence the experience of the patient and the quality of care delivered. Moreover, safety policies during medication rounds are critical to the safety of patients, which makes the role of health professionals significant in ensuring that medication errors are avoided. I will continue to improve my skills in cultural competence and communication to provide appropriate and effective care in future interactions. This reflection solidified that always learning and reflecting on practice is what makes me keep on track to continue to meet high standards in regard to medication administration and person-centred care, thereby contributing to professional growth as a nurse.

Reference List

• Anderson, J., Walsh, J., Anderson, M. and Burnley, R., 2021. Patient satisfaction with remote consultations in a primary care setting. Cureus, 13(9).
• Bamforth, K., Rae, P., Maben, J., Lloyd, H. and Pearce, S., 2023. Perceptions of healthcare professionals’ psychological wellbeing at work and the link to patients’ experiences of care: A scoping review. International journal of nursing studies advances, p.100148.
• Brady, V., Timmins, F., Caldeira, S., Naughton, M.T., McCarthy, A. and Pesut, B., 2021. Supporting diversity in person-centred care: The role of healthcare chaplains. Nursing Ethics, 28(6), pp.935-950.
• Bright, F.A.S. and Reeves, B., 2022. Creating therapeutic relationships through communication: a qualitative metasynthesis from the perspectives of people with communication impairment after stroke. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(12), pp.2670-2682.
• Cappucci, J., 2021. Retain or reject: The adherence to the kosher laws in a Canadian city. Contemporary Jewry, 41(2), pp.411-435.
• Driscoll, J. (Ed.), 2006. Practising clinical supervision: A reflective approach for healthcare professionals. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Green, B., 2022. The flaws of policies requiring human oversight of government algorithms. Computer Law & Security Review, 45, p.105681.
• Laatikainen, O., Sneck, S. and Turpeinen, M., 2022. Medication-related adverse events in health care—what have we learned? A narrative overview of the current knowledge. European journal of clinical pharmacology, pp.1-12.
• Rothwell, C., Kehoe, A., Farook, S.F. and Illing, J., 2021. Enablers and barriers to effective clinical supervision in the workplace: a rapid evidence review. BMJ open, 11(9), p.e052929.
• Villarroya, A.P.B., 2023. Cultural Competence of Nurses in the Emergency Department. The Catholic University of America.
• Walkowska, A., Przymuszała, P., Marciniak-Stępak, P., Nowosadko, M. and Baum, E., 2023. Enhancing cross-cultural competence of medical and healthcare students with the use of simulated patients—a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), p.2505.