Medication Administration Protocol Training

Course Description

This Medication Administration Protocol Training provides staff with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely administer medication via instillation, topical, and inhaled routes. Participants will develop confidence in applying safe medication practice, infection control, accurate documentation, and professional accountability.

Focusing on practical skills for administering eye and ear drops, topical creams (including 1% steroid cream), oral suspensions, nebulised medication, and inhalers, this course reinforces best practice in line with organisational policies and procedures.

Delivered with demonstrations, discussions, and scenario-based learning, this training enables organisations to embed safe medication administration protocols into everyday practice.

What is Safe Medication Administration?

Safe medication administration refers to the structured, accountable process of giving prescribed medication correctly, safely, and in accordance with the 7 Rs of Medication Administration: Right Person, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Reason, and Right Documentation, alongside additional checks such as the Right to Refuse and monitoring for the Right Response.

It involves following legal and organisational requirements, maintaining infection prevention and control, ensuring informed consent, accurately recording all medication administered, and recognising when to seek support or escalate concerns. Safe medication practice protects both the individual receiving medication and the staff administering it.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the 3 levels of medication support and identify which tasks fall under Level 2 administration.
• Apply the 7 Rs of Medication Administration consistently to ensure safe and compliant practice.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures when administering medications via instillation, topical, and inhaled routes.
• Demonstrate safe and accurate administration of:
  • Eye drops
  • Ear drops
  • Nasal sprays or drops
  • Topical creams and ointments (including 1% steroid cream)
  • Oral suspensions
  • Nebulised medication
  • Inhalers
• Recognise common errors, risks, and contraindications associated with each route of administration.
• Explain the importance of MAR charts, legal documentation, and personal accountability in medication administration.
• Support individuals with diverse needs and communication styles during medication administration (e.g., sensory sensitivities, anxiety, learning disabilities).
• Interpret GP and pharmacist instructions accurately and follow organisational policy when applying medication protocols.
• Identify signs of reactions, side effects, or concerns and report these promptly and appropriately.