Safe administration basics: checks, records and routines

Safe administration relies on a consistent routine. Before giving any medicine, staff must confirm the right child, right medicine, right dose, right route, right time and the current record. Also check for recent changes, allergy alerts and whether the child is ready to take the medicine now.

Good routine means preparing calmly, minimising interruptions, washing hands when appropriate and using the correct measuring device. Always check the label against the MAR or eMAR, stay with the child where required, and record immediately after administration. Pre-pouring, relying on memory or signing later increases risk.

Checks that matter every time

• Right child: confirm identity before administering.
• Right medicine: verify the label and formulation against the record.
• Right dose and route: do not assume different strengths or forms are interchangeable.
• Right time: some medicines require specific spacing or timing.
• Right record: ensure the MAR or eMAR matches what is available and current.

Medicines routines are there to catch human mistakes before they reach the child.