Guidelines for self-administration of medications

Guidelines for self-administration of medications

Taking a pulse at Mary Potter Hospice

Mary Potter Hospice recognises the need to train appropriate patients, families and carers to self administer medications during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are trying to maintain good safe care, but reduce the amount of direct contact staff and patients have.

Mary Potter Hospice doctors have created videos to provide training to patients and carer for self-administration of medications during the COVID-19 pandemic. They can be used following advice from Hospice staff on which medication is most suitable for the patient and how it is best given. Please read the guidelines here.

If you are a Mary Potter Hospice patient and have questions about anything in these videos please call Mary Potter Hospice on 04 801 006 (24 hours).

Giving Sublingual Medication

This video demonstrates how a carer will administer a prepared sublingual medication to the patient appropriately.

Inserting a Subcutaneous Line

This video demonstrates how a patient’s carer will insert a subcutaneous line (BD Saf-T-Intima 22ga) using aseptic technique.

Connecting a Loaded Syringe Driver

This video demonstrates how a patient will connect a pre-loaded and running Niki T34 syringe driver.

Drawing Up Medication from a Plastic Ampoule

This video demonstrates safe technique for drawing up a medication from a plastic ampoule for immediate or later administration. Patients will need to be informed of the indication, drug, amount, storage or saline flush administration

Drawing up Medication from a Glass Ampoule

This video demonstrates safe technique for drawing up a medication from a glass ampoule for immediate or later administration. Patients will need to be informed of the indication, drug, amount, storage or saline flush administration

Setting Up a Syringe Driver

This video demonstrate how a patient will connect a syringe to an extension line, load the syringe onto the Niki T34 driver, and connect the Niki T34 syringe driver to the subcutaneous line.