Medication Awareness
Medication Awareness training plays a critical role in reducing medication errors and protecting people who receive care. Medication mistakes remain one of the most common and preventable risks in health and social care. In the UK, over 200 million medication errors occur each year. Therefore, staff must understand how to handle, administer, and record medicines safely and correctly.
This Medication Awareness training course provides a clear and practical introduction to the safe handling, administration, and recording of medicines. It is suitable for care workers, support staff, healthcare assistants, and anyone involved in supporting individuals with medication needs in residential care, domiciliary care, supported living, and community settings.
The course covers types and classifications of medication and the different routes of administration used in care environments. In addition, learners develop a strong understanding of their legal responsibilities and professional boundaries. The training aligns with NICE guidance on safe medicines management and supports compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) expectations for safe, effective, and well-led care.
Learners also explore how medicines affect the body and how to recognise side effects, adverse reactions, and medication errors. The course explains how to respond appropriately, escalate concerns, and seek medical advice when required. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of accurate documentation, safe storage, and following organisational policies and procedures.
Medication Awareness training strengthens safe practice and improves staff confidence. As a result, organisations can better meet NICE best practice standards and CQC Fundamental Standards, while protecting the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of the people they support.
We also offer Safe Administration of Medication.
What You Will Learn
- Key legislation relating to medication and its administration
- Types and classifications of medicines and how they work
- Routes of administration (oral, topical, inhaled, etc.)
- Side effects and how to recognise adverse reactions
- Protocols for receiving, storing, administering, recording and disposing of medicines
- How medication procedures vary across different care settings (e.g. residential, domiciliary, direct payment services)
- Principles of safe medication handling and supporting self-administration
- Supporting individuals who lack capacity in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act
- The use of monitored dosage systems (MDS)
- The importance of accurate, timely and confidential record-keeping
- Ensuring privacy, dignity and consent during medication administration
- How to report and respond to medication errors or near misses
Certification
All participants will receive a certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the course.
Related Courses
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge further, you might also be interested in our Safe Administration of Medication Courses.
Course Location & Service Areas
We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue, tailored to your needs and schedule. This flexible approach removes the need to send staff off-site for essential learning.
Our experienced trainers deliver courses across Manchester and Greater Manchester, supporting organisations throughout the North West.
We also provide on-site training throughout England, covering major cities, towns, and regions nationwide, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey.
For added flexibility, this course is also available remotely via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, making it ideal for teams based in multiple locations or working remotely.
Wherever and however the training is delivered, all sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors and meet the same high standards.
