Palliative care at home involves taking a comprehensive approach to treating symptoms and improving the quality of life for those with critical diseases. Medication management is crucial to this treatment since it ensures that drugs are provided safely and efficiently.
This helps alleviate symptoms and manage pain without compromising comfort or causing unnecessary side effects. Caregivers are crucial in ensuring medication adherence and safety in home settings, where professional oversight may be limited.
Understanding Palliative Care Medication Needs
Medication in palliative care is mostly used to deal with symptoms such as discomfort, vomiting, loss of breath, and anxiety. Each patient’s medication regimen is tailored to their specific needs, aiming to provide comfort and improve their overall well-being. According to the NIH, nearly 50 million people worldwide require palliative care each year.
Caregivers must understand the purpose of each medicine, its potential adverse effects, and the necessity of following the recommended dosage. They should actively participate in discussions with healthcare providers to ask questions and clarify any concerns they have about medications and their effects.
Hiring a Qualified and Competent Nurse
One of the most effective ways to manage medications safely at home is to hire a qualified nurse trained in palliative care. A nurse brings expertise in medication administration and symptom management and can provide regular assessments to ensure that the medications are working effectively.
They also serve as a resource for caregivers, offering guidance on proper administration techniques, monitoring for adverse reactions, and adjusting medication regimens. Nurses with educational qualifications such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher are particularly valuable in palliative care settings.
BSN programs equip nurses with comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology, patient assessment, and ethical considerations, all crucial aspects of providing quality care in palliative settings. On the other hand, accelerated BSN programs are designed for individuals with non-nursing backgrounds seeking a fast-track route into nursing.
NurseJournal.org notes that accelerated BSN programs compress the curriculum of a traditional BSN into a shorter timeframe, usually 11 to 18 months.
With the rise in popularity of remote programs in recent years, many accredited universities have also introduced online BSN accelerated programs. These programs provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing ambitious nurses to continue their education while juggling other responsibilities.
According to Holy Family University, online programs follow the same rigorous curriculum as traditional ones. They cover all the essential topics, such as nursing theory, clinical skills, and healthcare ethics. Students engage in virtual simulations, interactive coursework, and clinical rotations to develop hands-on experience and critical thinking abilities necessary for effective palliative care.
Creating a Medication Management Plan
Caregivers should collaborate with healthcare experts to create a complete medication management strategy. This plan should contain a list of all prescription drugs, their doses, administration times, and any additional instructions.
According to TechTarget, medication adherence is a critical component of a pharmaceutical management plan. Poor medication adherence happens when people fail to take their prescriptions as prescribed. This can include not completing the prescription, missing pills, or reducing them in half.
It’s essential to maintain clear communication with healthcare professionals to promptly address any changes in the patient’s condition or medications. Regularly reviewing and updating the medication management plan ensures that it remains current and aligned with the patient’s evolving needs and treatment goals.
Ensuring Safety and Storage
Proper storage of medications is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Medications should be stored according to their specific requirements (e.g., refrigeration, room temperature), away from children and pets.
Drugs.com notes that to protect medications in your home, avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, excessive light, or moisture. Do not store drugs in the bathroom, as it is prone to humidity. Also, avoid placing them above the stove or on a windowsill.
Caregivers should also check prescription expiry dates regularly and dispose of outdated or unused drugs as directed by their healthcare professionals. Maintaining an organized and accessible medication storage area helps caregivers administer medications safely and efficiently while minimizing the risk of errors or accidents.
Monitoring and Documentation
Regular monitoring of the patient’s response to medications is essential in palliative care. Caregivers should observe for any changes in symptoms, side effects, or adverse reactions and promptly report them to the healthcare team. WebMD states that in the United States, 750 older adults are hospitalized daily because of side effects from one or more medications.
Keeping detailed records of medication administration, including dates, times, doses, and observations, helps ensure continuity of care. It also facilitates communication between caregivers and healthcare providers. Documenting observations and discussions about medication management ensures that all caregivers involved in the patient’s care can provide consistent support and oversight.
FAQs
What does it mean to be put in palliative care?
Getting placed in palliative care involves receiving specialist medical attention aimed at relieving the strain and symptoms of a life-threatening illness.
The goal is to enhance the patient’s and their family’s quality of life. It is possible to offer curative therapy in addition to palliative care.
What is the difference between an RN and an ABSN?
After finishing an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN test, a registered nurse (RN) is licensed to practice nursing. An ABSN is a program created to help people with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing quickly become registered nurses.
What happens in palliative care at home?
Healthcare practitioners control symptoms, relieve pain, and assist patients and their families emotionally and practically when providing palliative care at home. Care includes regular visits from nurses, medication management, and coordination with doctors.
Finally, navigating medication management in-home palliative care requires a collaborative effort. While nurses with a BSN provide vital clinical expertise, clear communication with the care team is essential.
Precise documentation enables caregivers to guarantee that the patient gets the correct medication at the appropriate time in the most comfortable setting. This coordinated approach is key to achieving the core objective of palliative care: enhancing a patient’s quality of life during their final chapter.