As required by ACHS, and in response to reported issues, we have reviewed our Medication Chart over the previous year. As a result, a new BDNH Medication Chart, in line with the National Inpatient Chart now utilised across all Australian public hospitals, has been developed for use in the community setting.

Aim

The aim of the chart is:

• To meet the requirements of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act, 1981 and other guidelines
• To ensure best practice is provided for all clients (right medication, right client, right dose, right route, right time)
• To reduce the incidence of medication errors

Consultation

We have consulted with BDDGP by providing a presentation of the chart and inviting feedback from local pharmacists and General Practitioners.

As a result of this feedback, we are willing to introduce a two option approach for the safe administration of medications by our staff in the community setting.

Whilst BDNH believes the use of the specifically developed chart is best practice, two options are available.

Option 1 – Use of the BDNH Medication Chart

This chart allows for 12 weeks of medication management to clients, as per the following procedure;

New Chart
1. BDNH	On admission to BDNH, where the client is identified as requiring assistance with medication management, BDNH will request completion of the BDNH Medication Chart (a supply of which will have been provided to local GPs).
2. GP	The GP will complete Sections A and C of the chart, detailing the: Name of the required medication Date Required route Frequency Doctor’s signature
	The chart can be faxed to BDNH on 5334 1945, given to the client, or left in the BDNH Home Care Record, where the GP is attending a home visits.
3. BDNH	A week before the chart is due for completion, BDNH will notify the GP that a new chart is required.
4. GP	The GP is requested to review the client’s required medication, in line with their records, and complete a new chart as per point 2.
	If the client’s medications are unchanged, the GP can notify BDNH in writing, and BDNH will attach another 12 weeks to the current chart.
Changes to medications
1. GP	Where a GP requires changes to the medication being administered: A phone order can be accepted for 24 hours, followed by A new chart can bee completed, or, an Agon label can be completed and faxed to BDNH on 5334 1945
2. BDNH	BDNH staff will update the Medication Chart with the Agon label, or utilise the new chart accordingly.

Option 2 - Doctor’s Authorisation

BDNH recognizes that some GPs, whilst desiring best practice for their clients, may prefer an alternative method;

New authorisation
1. BDNH	On admission to BDNH where the client is identified as requiring assistance with medication management, BDNH will request completion of a doctor’s authorisation.
2. GP	The Doctor, on letterhead, or via the GP software system,  can complete an authorisation which specifies: Name of the required medication Date Required route Frequency Doctor’s signature
	The chart can be faxed to BDNH on 5334 1945.
3. BDNH	When the authorisation is due to run to expire (12 months for schedule 4 medications and 6 months for schedule 8), BDNH will notify the GP and request that a new authorisation is completed.
4. GP	The Doctor, on letterhead, or via the GP software system, will consult their records and complete an updated authorisation.
Changes to medications
1. GP	Where a GP requires changes to the medication being administered: A phone order can be accepted for 24 hours, followed by A new authorisation faxed to BDNH on 5334 1945
2. BDNH	BDNH staff will file the new authorisation in the Home care Record.

We look forward to working closely with General Practitioners as these new options are implemented, and thank you for your support of our best practice requirements.

Feel free to contact me at directorofnursing@bdnh.com.au.

Tags: notices