Education policy and procedures register > Health and safety > HLS-PR-009: Administration of Routine and Emergency Medication in Schools >

Protocols for safe administration of medication in state schools

Schools ensure reasonable care is taken to minimise harm to students when administering medications at school. The staff member responsible for administrating medication is required to ensure that:

Infection Control Guidelines (new window) are followed i.e. hand washing, disposable cups used for administration of medication
a two person check is undertaken whenever possible e.g. administration of insulin following Blood Glucose Level reading
the 'Five Rights of Medication Administration' are followed
they are aware of:
- Pharmacy Labels
- Common medication side affects.

Five Rights of Medication Administration

Right Person
Right Drug
Right Dose
Right Time
Right Route

1. Right person

Check the identity of the student i.e. use of a photograph, asking student their full name and/or their date of birth.

2. Right Drug

Drugs have a trade and generic name which can cause confusion. Request that parents/carers print the correct spelling on the request form.
Check:
- when the drug is taken from the cupboard
- before the drug is put into a medicine cup or similar receptacle prior to handing it to the student
- again as the container is returned to the cupboard.

3. Right Dose

The dosage will be on the medication container and the Request to Administer Medication at School (new window) 84k form. Ensure the drug dosages match.

4. Right Time

Medications are designed to be given with specific intervals between doses to ensure consistent therapeutic blood levels. If given at different times other than ordered, the drug may be less effective or may cause side effects.
Often medication instructions are provided in medical terms. Seek clarification as to the time of day medication should be administered, and ensure it is administered at the prescribed times.

5. Right Route

Medications have specific Routes of Administration
Check the instructions prior to administration, e.g. to be taken with food.
Ensure all oral medications have been swallowed.

Medication Side Effects

All medications have the potential for side effects
Where possible, obtain information about specific side effects
Report unusual symptoms or behaviours to parent/carer, record event in student notes
May need to contact the prescribing medical practitioner
Adverse Medicines Events (AME) Line telephone 1300 134 237
Queensland Poisons Information Centre telephone 13 11 26
Call Ambulance 000 if concerned about the student and their presentation.

Pharmacy Labels
Pharmacy labels will include:

name, strength and description of the medication
the dosage form, dose and route of administration (may include duration of therapy)
any special directions
correct storage information, expiry date and batch number
initials/logo of the pharmacist taking responsibility.

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