Time critical medication in Parkinson’s: guide for nurse in charge or ward staff
A guide to support the nurse in charge and ward staff in implementing time critical Parkinson’s medication management.
- Inpatient care and medicines management
- Publications
- Nurse (other)
- Complex
What's included in this guide?
This resource sets out some simple actions to implement on your ward:
- training staff and raising awareness of medication timings
- ensuring drug availability
- setting up a self-administration policy
- using staff prompts and tools
- following our swallowing guidance.
Taking these simple steps will help ensure the health and wellbeing of patients with Parkinson’s.
Why is this guide needed?
Help us to make sure that all patients with Parkinson’s get their medications on time, every time while in hospital.
Incorrect or missing drug doses can cause a decline in mobility and swallowing leading to an increase in the length of stay and increased level of dependence whilst in hospital. Drug doses are varied and often given at times outside of usual drug rounds.
Use the advice in this guide to make sure your hospital or healthcare setting has systems in place to avoid harm to patients.
Who is it for?
This guide is for the nurse in charge and ward staff.
How was the guide developed?
This guide has been developed by healthcare professionals in the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network.
The resource is now endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), further emphasising the importance of effective management of Time critical medications for patients with Parkinson’s.