Safe to crush? A pilot study into solid dosage form modification in aged care

Aims: To observe medication solid dosage form modification in aged care facilities (ACFs), and assess staff levels of self-perceived knowledge of medication modification and the types of resources available to them. Method: Observation of medication rounds in a convenience sample of Australian Capital Territory ACFs and assessment of staff knowledge of dosage form modification and available resources. Results: From 160 observations across six medication rounds, 29 residents had a total of 75 medications modified by the nursing staff prior to administration, with 32% of these instances identified as inappropriate. The methods used for crushing and administration resulted in drug mixing, spillage and incomplete dosing. The staff reported adequate resources; however, a lack of knowledge on how to locate and use these resources was evident. Conclusions: Improved staff training on how to use available resources is needed to reduce the observed high incidence of inappropriate medication crushing.