In response to a recommendation we received from the Child Death Review Committee and Chief Coroner, we are providing you with information and resources about the dangers of prescription medication to infants with their care takers; especially when the infant starts getting mobile.
Improper storage and disposal of medication in the client’s home can result in harm through accidental poisonings, inappropriate use, and diversion. Infants who are beginning to become mobile, children, and the elderly are particularly at risk of experiencing harm when medications are not safely stored and disposed.
Indicator 3.2 in the Standards for Medication Management state that nurses and nurse practitioners provide education to the client regarding their medication; this means that nurses have a role to play in ensuring clients safely store and dispose of medication. Clients and their families should receive clear guidance, including:
- Client education: it is important for nurses and nurse practitioners to engage with clients in conversation about safely storing medications in the home and safely disposing of expired or unnecessary medications.
- Sharing resources: consider sharing written resources and hanging posters in healthcare settings to remind clients of how to safely store and dispose of medication.
More information on how to safely store and dispose of medication is available here:
Safe Storage and Disposal of Medication: ISMP Canada
Safe Management and Disposal of Medications: HPSA
