What are 'High-Risk Medicines'?
High-risk medicines are substances that hold a significant risk of causing patient harm or death if they are improperly used or administered. Such medicines require vigilant management to minimise associated risks.
The management of high-risk medicines is paramount within healthcare organisations. As mandated by NSQHS Action 4.15 and the Strengthened Aged Care Standards 5.3.5, comprehensive training and assessment measures are essential. This guide provides an in-depth roadmap for learning and development coordinators to help implement a training program.
Examples of High-Risk Medicines
Listed below are just a few examples of high-risk medicines:
- Anticoagulants
- Insulin and other hypoglycaemic agents
- Opioids
- Chemotherapy agents
What is the High-Risk Medicines Training Requirement?
Due to the risks involved, there are specific training requirements for healthcare staff. These requirements comply with healthcare standards such as NSQHS and Strengthened Aged Care Standards. Any healthcare professional involved in prescribing, dispensing, administering, or monitoring these medicines needs comprehensive training and ongoing skill development.
Relevant Standards
Action 4.15: High-Risk Medicines
- Organisations must ensure high-risk medicines are regularly assessed for; use and misuse, storage factors, prescribing, dispensing and administration
- Evidence-based risk-reduction strategies are implemented for high-risk medicines
National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards
Action 5.3.5: High-Risk Medications Management:
- Providers must implement processes to identify, monitor, and mitigate risks to older people associated with high-risk medication usage. This includes reducing inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines
Strengthened Quality Standards framework analysis - Aged Care Quality Standards
Failure to comply with the requirements could lead to an organisation being penalised or reprimanded.
High-Risk Medicines Skills Required for Healthcare Staff
The management of high-risk medicines is not simply about identifying them. The following skills are crucial for staff:
| Skill | Key Elements |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological understanding |
Comprehensive knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for accurate dosage and timely administration. |
| Correct storage and administration |
Follow protocols related to safe storage and appropriate administration techniques, including contraindications and proper use of delivery systems like syringes and infusion pumps. |
| Monitoring for adverse events |
Ability to recognise signs of toxicity or adverse drug interactions, together with swift intervention strategies. |
| Documentation and compliance |
Expertise in maintaining meticulous records for legal and clinical safety reasons. |
How to Assess Staff Competency in High-Risk Medicines
Ensuring competency involves a multi-faceted approach to ensure patient safety and compliance to the standards are upheld:
- Written assessments: These could range from multiple-choice questions to case-based scenarios to test theoretical knowledge.
- Practical evaluations: Hands-on assessment to measure aptitude in drug preparation, administration, and patient monitoring. Observational tools aligned with organisational guidelines can be used.
- Peer reviews: Feedback involving colleagues, superiors, and sometimes patients can provide a holistic view of one's competency.
Strategies to Support Healthcare Staff Improve High-Risk Medicines Skills
Creating a culture of learning and safety on high-risk medications safety is vital. Once staff competency levels are identified, targeted training interventions can be formulated.
Here are some potential strategies:
- Workshops: Regularly updated workshops can refresh staff knowledge and introduce new best practices.
- Mentoring: Pairing less experienced staff with experienced healthcare professionals for one-on-one training.
- Open Communication: Establish reporting mechanisms for medication errors and adverse events, where staff can share experiences without fear of punitive action.
Sample Training Plan for the High-Risk Medicines Training Requirement
Using the below competency assessment on high-risk medicines, we can tailor a training plan to target the specific staff skills gaps.
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Based on the results - "pharmacology" knowledge and "storage and administration" of medicines are the skills that require actioning.
Need high-risk medications training for your organisation?
Contact Ausmed today and see how we can support with your high-risk medications requirements!
Staff Competency Assessment for High-Risk Medicines - Example
The following is an example survey that learning and development coordinators and other educational managers may use to asses staff competency on high-risk medications.
Staff Survey - High-Risk Medicines Competency
-
Do you know what high-risk medicines are?
- 1. Yes
- 2. Somewhat
- 3. No
-
Can you name three examples of high-risk medicines?
- [Answer here]
-
Are you familiar with the proper storage conditions for high-risk medicines?
- 1. Yes
- 2. Somewhat
- 3. No
-
How do you report an adverse event related to high-risk medicines?
- [Answer here]
-
Are you aware of the protocols for administering high-risk medicines?
- 1. Yes
- 2. Somewhat
- 3. No
-
Have you ever been evaluated for your competency in handling high-risk medicines?
- 1. Yes
- 2. Somewhat
- 3. No
-
Do you feel adequately trained to handle high-risk medicines?
- 1. Yes
- 2. Somewhat
- 3. No
Conclusion
Ensuring the safe management of high-risk medicines is a multi-disciplinary effort requiring comprehensive training, assessment, and continuous improvement. By aligning organisational protocols with national standards, healthcare providers can significantly mitigate risks, enhance patient safety, and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
References
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health, 2023. 'Medication Safety Standard'
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health, 2023. 'NSQHS Action 4.15 - High-Risk Medicines'
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, 2023. 'Stronger Standards, Better Aged Care Program - 5.3.5'
