Helping Patients with Self-Administration of Medications

Course Summary

Most people can safely self-administer their own medications, but if a mistake is made there is potential for harm and damage. The practice laws that govern the health care professional’s practice role in each state may require health care professionals who oversee patients’ medication self-administration to have special training, pass a test, and obtain certification. Basic knowledge about patient self-administration of medications includes evaluation of whether a patient can self-administer medications safely and accurately. There is potential for mistakes and harm but most patients can learn to self-administer medications effectively and safely if they are properly educated and supported to do so appropriately, and by following the “Six Rights” of safe medication administration.