ADMINISTERING MEDICATION TO OLDER MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS

Dickens, Geoff BSc, RMN, DipN
Stubbs, Jean MSc, MRPharmS
Haw, Camilla MA, MB, BChir, MRCP, MRCPsych

Geoff Dickens, BSc, RMN, DipN, is research nurse/research coordinator; Jean Stubbs, MSc, MRPharmS, is head pharmacist; Camilla Haw, MA, MB, BChir, MRCP, MRCPsych, is consultant psychiatrist at Isham House; all at St Andrew's Hospital, Northampton.

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN DOUBLE-BLIND PEER-REVIEWED

Nursing Times 103(15):p 30-31, April 10, 2007.

ABSTRACT

Dickens, G. et al (2007) Administering medication to older mental health patients. Nursing Times; 103: 15, 30-31.

This article reports on a survey that was undertaken to investigate the difficulties nurses face in administering medication in mental health wards for older people and to identify their training needs. The survey demonstrated that nurses need regular training with clear guidelines about medication administration, as well as professional guidance on covert administration. This is a summary: the full paper and reference list can be accessed at nursingtimes.net.