Managing Medicines in Social Care Course

Managing Medicines in Social Care – Online Course

Course overview
This introductory online course provides an understanding of safe medicines management in social care settings. It covers the responsibilities, checks and procedures involved in supporting people with their medicines, maintaining accurate records, reducing medication-related risks and responding appropriately to concerns. The course takes approximately one hour and is CPD accredited, with one CPD point available.

Please note: This Level 1 introductory course provides awareness and theoretical knowledge of medicines management in social care. It does not replace practical, regulated or role-specific training that an employer may require for supporting or administering medicines.

What the course covers
• Person-centred care and involving individuals in decisions about medicines
• Safeguarding and supporting informed decisions
• Medicines, capacity and the Mental Capacity Act in practice
• Roles, responsibilities and safe use of medicines
• Sharing information and maintaining accurate medication records
• Identifying medicines-related problems and responding to incidents
• Medicines reconciliation and transfers between care settings
• Medication reviews and prescribed medicines
• Ordering and receiving medicines
• Safe storage, handling and disposal of medicines
• Supporting residents to manage their own medicines
• Administering medicines and managing medicines prescribed when required
• Covert administration
• Diversity, equality and language considerations

Who is it for?
This course is intended for people working in social care and related care settings who need introductory knowledge of safe medicines management as part of their role. It is suitable for:
• Social care workers in residential and nursing homes
• Care home managers and supervisors
• Support workers and healthcare assistants
• Community care and domiciliary care providers
• Community nurses involved in medicines management
• Care coordinators supporting individuals with medication needs
• Staff undertaking induction or refresher training
• Learners seeking to improve their awareness and understanding of medicines management

Practical benefits
• Improve understanding of safe medicines management practices
• Recognise the importance of accurate and up-to-date medication records
• Understand the checks involved when supporting or administering medicines
• Identify common medication errors and factors that may increase risk
• Recognise adverse effects and concerns that require escalation
• Understand appropriate procedures for reporting medication incidents
• Support person-centred care and informed involvement in medicines decisions
• Develop knowledge relevant to induction, refresher training and ongoing learning

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the key principles of safe medicines practice
• Understand responsibilities and limits of competence when supporting medicines
• Recognise the importance of accurate medication documentation
• Identify appropriate checks before supporting or administering medicines
• Recognise common medication errors and potential risk factors
• Identify adverse effects, changes or concerns that should be escalated
• Understand safe medicines storage, handling and disposal
• Follow appropriate reporting procedures for incidents and errors
• Understand how to support person-centred involvement in medicines management

Is this training a legal requirement?
The supplied course information discusses legal and ethical responsibilities relating to medicines management and includes content on the Mental Capacity Act in practice. However, it does not specify a particular legal requirement for all learners to complete this online course. Employers should determine the training required for each role and setting, including any practical or role-specific medicines training needed.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz at the end of the course. On successful completion, they receive a free CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded or printed. Unlimited assessment retakes are available. The course takes approximately one hour and is delivered online for convenient access.