Illuminate
Improve Your Med Pass Efficiency in 4 Steps
July 12, 2024Taking the time to step back and observe the medication pass process can reveal opportunities for improvement. Take these four steps to make your processes more efficient.
Keep in mind, this isn’t a one-and-done effort. When you identify processes or activities that need to be changed, set a strategy and a timeline and identify who will be involved. It’s not enough to change processes or introduce new technology or communication tools. It’s essential to make sure everyone gets adequate training and understands their roles. And monitor new processes over time to ensure they are working, then tweak or change things as necessary.
- Start with your med pass team.
Ask those doing med pass where they see opportunities to make the process more efficient. Are they spending time crushing meds and putting them in applesauce? Could they give twice a day meds for all or some residents at the same times? Is the cart stocked and medications organized in order? - Engage the consultant pharmacist as ‘detective.’
Have them observe and view the med pass through their pharmacy lens. They may be able to identify opportunities to change dosing or dosage forms or recommend therapeutic substitutions that will help make med pass more efficient while ensuring quality care. - Minimize interruptions.
Whether background noise or conversations, family member questions, or technology alerts, look to reduce distractions. Consider turning a light on
at med pass time at the nurses’ station, having nurses wear red lanyards during med pass, or using door hangers on residents’ rooms to show med pass is in process. - Relationship building with residents is key.
Getting to know those individuals who often refuse medication builds trust and can make cooperation easier, so nurses don’t have to spend time trying to convince them. Knowing if residents have therapy or activities scheduled during peak med pass times can also enable staff to give them their meds first so they don’t have to track down individuals or interrupt therapy or activities.
Keep in mind, this isn’t a one-and-done effort. When you identify processes or activities that need to be changed, set a strategy and a timeline and identify who will be involved. It’s not enough to change processes or introduce new technology or communication tools. It’s essential to make sure everyone gets adequate training and understands their roles. And monitor new processes over time to ensure they are working, then tweak or change things as necessary.