Residents of care homes often have complex medical needs and many are prescribed multiple medicines which are often given by carers or nurses. Although the vast majority are given as intended, academic research has shown that sometimes they are not. While this can often cause no harm, errors can have serious consequences including unnecessary suffering, hospitalisation or even death.
The Oxford AHSN is one of the 15 patient safety teams hosted by AHSNs covering the whole of England which have been funded to work with care homes on the safety of giving medicines.
An initial diagnostic phase evaluated potential improvements which could make a difference and the programme is now moving to a testing phase.
Oxford AHSN team: Patient Safety and Clinical Improvement – Medicines Safety
Lead: Geri Briggs Geri.briggs@oxfordahsn.org