Lecture: 15 hours
and
Lab: 15 hours
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, group work, case studies, and team-based exercises.
• Safe administration of medications and special considerations for administration of medications for clients with mental health and substance use challenges are the foci of discussion.
• Pharmacological principles and foundational concepts:
o Medication classification
o Medications to treat specific diagnosis
o Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
o Medications and the scope of MHSU
o Delegated tasks
• Safety
o Standards of safe practice: the “rights” of safe medication administration
o Prevention of medication errors
• Medication administration
o Practise medication administration in a lab setting
o Demonstrate safe medication administration in mental health
• Medication dosage calculation
o Oral
o Other
• Alternative and complementary therapies
o Natural medications
o Over-the-counter medications
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Define the role/responsibilities of a MHSU in medication administration;
2. Understand medication administration in the context of community and facility settings;
3. Demonstrate principles of safety when preparing and administering medications to clients by following the appropriate safety checks;
4. Understand basic terms and definitions related to pharmacology and medication administration;
5. Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of medication management for the MHSU in the Canadian Health Care system;
6. Understand the designated routes and basic principles of medication administration;
7. Demonstrate acceptable medication calculations;
8. Understand the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.
This course is a graded course, not a mastery course.
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials will be provided for students at the beginning of the semester.
Students in the MHSU program are required to maintain a passing grade of 65% (C+) in all courses to progress in the program.