Application of Prescribed Creams/ Ointments/ Lotions (Adult) CLINICAL GUIDELINES ID TAG Medicines Management Specific Title: Procedure: Application of prescribed Creams/ Ointments/ Lotions (Adult) Author: Specialty/ Division: Directorate: Elizabeth Smyth Pharmacy Older People and Primary Care Learning Disability Mental Health Date Uploaded: July 2018 Review Date July 2020 Clinical Guidelines ID: CG0106[1]
Application of Prescribed Creams/ Ointments/ Lotions (Adult) Service user s name: Address: Definition Topical preparation applied to the skin Indications for procedure Treatment of a skin condition or infection Pain relief Barrier to protect skin Moisturiser to keep skin moist/ reduce itching To treat minor cuts and abrasions Equipment Medication Administration Record (MAR)/ Medication Instruction Sheet (MIS) Prescribed cream/ ointment/ lotion with pharmacy label Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
Gloves Application of Prescribed Creams/ Ointments/ Lotions (Adult) ACTION Service user specific information RATIONALE 1. Wash hands with soap and dry thoroughly or decontaminate with alcohol hand gel 2. Identify correct service user, confirm selected cream/ ointment/ lotion is dispensed for that service user and consult their MAR/ MIS, the prescribed cream/ ointment/ lotion and the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) to determine: Name of cream/ ointment/ lotion Route and method of administration Area to be applied to How often to be applied and that it has not already been applied, by asking service user and checking medication recording documentation Discontinuation date if appropriate Expiry date Any other specific instructions on MAR/ MIS or PIL NB Ensure that the information/ directions on the pharmacy label of the prescribed medication matches the information/ directions on the MAR/ MIS To ensure that the right person is given the right dose of the right medication via the right route at the right time and administered correctly
3. Explain the procedure and gain consent as per Trust policy 4. Close room door, pull curtains and cover service user as appropriate 5. Assist service user into a comfortable position that enables you to apply cream/ ointment/ lotion 6. Wash hands with soap and dry thoroughly or decontaminate with alcohol hand gel 7. Put on disposable (single use) gloves as provided 8. Observe for any changes/ deterioration in service users skin e.g. redness, broken areas, swelling, smell, ooze, discoloration, pain, rash or spots and report any concerns to line manager 9. Open tube/ container/ dispenser (tube may need to be pierced first if new one). Ensure the lid is placed on a clean surface turned upwards Apply cream/ ointment/ lotion as per instructions on MAR/ MIS or PIL Ensure area is clean and dry (previously applications removed) Apply gently (may be sore) Never return unused product to original container- discard NB the label on some creams/ ointments will state apply sparingly or thinly. Some PILs will have a body map showing how much to apply for a specific area. To ensure service user understands and gives his/ her consent, to allay concerns To ensure dignity is maintained To allow access to area of skin that requires cream/ ointment/ lotion To protect self from absorbing the cream into own skin To minimize risk of cross infection To ensure any necessary action can be taken to protect skin prevent further deterioration To detect any side effects of treatment To ensure treatment is effective To avoid contamination Over application of creams/ ointments can cause harmful effects
10. Remove gloves and wash hands with soap and dry thoroughly or decontaminate with alcohol hand gel 11. Reapply cap/ lid making sure you don t touch the top of the tube/ container and advise service user/ family if stock is low to order more Store as per MAR/ MIS or PIL NB all medications should be out of sight and out of reach of children To ensure cream/ ointment/ lotion is available for service user To ensure medication works properly To ensure safety at all times 12.Dispose of any waste as per Trust waste disposal policy To ensure safe disposal of waste 13.Tidy away all equipment To ensure room is left tidy 14. Record administration in medication recording documentation and report any concerns to your line manager Healthcare Professional Signature: Designation: Date Procedure / Care Plan implemented: