Safe to crush? A pilot study into solid dosage form modification in aged care
Australasian Journal on Ageing
Published online on May 13, 2013
Abstract
Aims
To observe solid dosage form modification in aged care facilities (ACFs), and assess staff levels of self‐perceived knowledge of medication modification and the types of resources available to them.
Method
Observation of medication rounds in a convenience sample of Australian Capital Territory ACFs and assess staff knowledge of dosage form modification and available resources.
Results
From 160 observations across six medication rounds, 29 residents had a total of 75 medications modified by the nursing staff prior to administration, with 32% of these identified as inappropriate. The methods used for crushing and administration resulted in drug mixing, spillage and incomplete dosing. The staff reported adequate resources; however, a lack of knowledge on how to locate and use these resources was evident.
Conclusions
Improved staff training on how to use available resources is needed to reduce the observed high incidence of inappropriate medication crushing.