Insulin Administration Policy for Domiciliary Care

Insulin administration in domiciliary care follows guidelines set by organizations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the NHS. Cavendish Homecare adheres to the following guidelines and aims to ensure the safe and effective administration of insulin to individuals with diabetes who receive care at home.

Training

Healthcare professionals who provide domiciliary care should be adequately trained in insulin administration. This training ensures that they have the knowledge and skills to administer insulin correctly and handle any potential complications.

Prescription and Authorization

Insulin can only be administered based on a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will specify the type of insulin, dosage, timing, and any other relevant instructions.

Patient Assessment

Before administering insulin, healthcare professionals should assess the patient’s blood glucose level and general health status. This helps determine the appropriate insulin dosage and ensures that the patient is in a suitable condition to receive insulin.

Safe Administration

Insulin should be administered using proper techniques and hygiene practices to prevent infection or other complications. This includes using clean needles, proper injection sites, and disposing of sharps safely.

Documentation

Accurate and complete documentation of insulin administration is essential. This documentation includes details such as the date, time, insulin type, dosage, injection site, and any unusual observations or incidents.

Communication

Effective communication with the patient, their family, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care is crucial. This ensures that everyone is aware of the insulin administration plan and any changes that may occur.

Emergency Procedures

Healthcare professionals should be familiar with emergency procedures in case of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. They should know how to recognize and manage these situations promptly.

Client Education

Clients and their families should be educated about insulin administration, including proper storage of insulin, recognizing signs of complications, and understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular monitoring of the patient’s blood glucose levels and overall health is necessary to adjust insulin dosages and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Date:  January 2024

Version: 2 (Review)

Source:  ChatGPT / NHS