Can a carer give medication from a dosette box that has been pre-filled by a family member?

Answered by Lisa Barnes Metcalf

Although we cannot advise on this specific case; what we can say is this:

Guidance from NICE on managing medication in care homes (see https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/sc1/evidence/full-guideline-pdf-2301173677) advises on the advantages of medication being available in original boxes and in monitored dosage systems. It does not advise specifically on a dosette box that has been pre-filled by a family member.

The following sections should be referred to for guidance:

• ‘Recommendation 1.7.1: The care home manager or the person responsible for a resident’s transfer into a care home should coordinate the accurate listing of all the resident’s medicines (medicines reconciliation) as part of a full needs assessment and care plan.’
• ‘Recommendation 1.14 – Care home staff administering medicines to residents. Recommendation 1.14.1: Care home providers should consider including the following in a medicines administration process:

The 6 R’s of administration:

• Right resident
• Right medicine
• Right route
• Right dose
• Right time
• Resident’s right to refuse’

The needs of each person should be assessed and an individual plan for care should be in place. This should include a medication administration risk assessment which takes into consideration the possibility of self-medication and promoting independence.