Why Informed Consent Matters: Ensuring Proper Medication Management in Care Settings
In the world of care, the principle of informed consent is paramount, especially when it comes to managing medication. Ensuring that every service user understands and agrees to their treatment plan is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of compassionate and ethical care. The process of obtaining and documenting consent involves clear communication, thorough explanation, and respect for the service user’s autonomy.
However, navigating the complexities of consent can be challenging for many care professionals. That’s where high-quality training becomes essential. Momentum People is dedicated to providing care professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle consent effectively. Through their comprehensive training programs, Momentum People equips caregivers with the tools to ensure that every service user receives the information they need to make informed decisions about their care, while also understanding the legal and ethical implications of their choices.
In this blog post, we will explore the critical aspects of informed consent in medication management and discuss how investing in top-notch training, like that offered by Momentum People, can make a significant difference in delivering exceptional care.
Gaining Consent
Before any support with medication can happen in care the service user must give their consent. In order to give informed consent they must first be given all of the information they require to make a decision about their level of care. It is important that information is shared freely with the service user, this will include providing patient information leaflets to your service users, and if necessary reading and explaining these to them if they are not able to do this themselves.
A service user can agree to treatment and care verbally, in writing or by implying (by co-operating) that they agree. Even though verbal consent or consent by implication would be enough evidence in most cases written consent is always preferable and probably expected in most care agency policies.
Service user consent should be obtained and recorded in the care plan during the care assessment. Both the service user and the assessor should sign and date the document. If the service user is not able to consent because they do not have capacity to consent then there are a number of people who can consent on their behalf.
In children’s care it maybe a corporate parent, a parent or guardian, up to 16 years or 18 where there are learning difficulties. After 16 (or 18 with learning difficulties) parental consent no longer applies. In adult care consent for the support received can be obtained from someone with Lasting Power of Attorney with Health and Welfare, the prescriber or someone with Court of Protection Deputyship.
Written consent stands as a record that discussions have taken place and of the service user’s choice.
The enxt time consent is required is at the tine of administration. The person administering the medication must gain consent fro the service user – this is normally verbal or implied consent. However, the service user has the right to refuse consent and may do so at any time during his or her care. This may be detrimental to their care and you must provide them with the information they require to be fully informed in making their decision but if they still refuse to consent then you must respect that decision. You should make a record of the refusal and document what information was given and who else you involved such as your line manager or GP in the service user’s records.
What not to do
What you should never do is hide the medication in food or beverages for the service user to take without knowing that it is there. This is covert administration of medicines and is considered to be abuse.
In an emergency situation where treatment is necessary to preserve life and the service user cannot make a decision (for example because they are unconscious), the law allows you to provide treatment without their consent, providing you are sure you are always acting in their best interest.
You should also know that if the service user is an adult, consent from relatives is not sufficient on its own to protect you in the event of a challenge, as nobody has the right to give consent on behalf of another adult unless the service user has passed over the power of attorney to another person. In this case, the other person can give their consent for you to administer medication
As you can see gaining consent may not be as straightforward as it first appears. Nonetheless, it is a vital part of caring for people. The reason it is so important is that it is assumed that the service user is the best person to be in control of their care. So any procedure that may affect them can only be given once they have consented to the care and this includes medication.
Ready to enhance your skills and ensure the highest standard of care within your organisation?
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to deepen your understanding of informed consent and medication management. Book your spot today in our Safe Use of Meds course or the Train the Trainer: Safe Use of Meds course delivered by Momentum People in Stoke on Trent. Equip your team with the knowledge to confidently handle medication procedures and train others to do the same.
Secure your place now and take the next step towards providing exceptional care with the confidence and competence that comes from high-quality training. Contact us directly to register or to discover how we can help your business.