Safer use of medication

The mediMethod developed by Mechthild Hagedorn lies at the heart of the teaching and consulting services she provides. The method has been developed for nursing staff in nursing homes for the elderly and it can encompass all those who are involved in the care of the elderly person: close family and other relatives, home care and district nursing services, pharmacists and doctors.

Special emphasis is placed on interface management. Whenever possible, the patient is the first person to talk to. Managing medication is an extremely risky process! The mediMethod explains how to monitor the effects of long-term medication use in practice. The real-life situation of the patient and the process of planning their care is the starting point.

Training based on the mediMethod

The real-life situation of the patient and the process of planning their care is the starting point. The mediMethod is structured according to the colours yellow, blue and green. Yellow represents knowledge about medication. Blue stands for skill, the safe handling of medication. Errors that occur during storage, documentation or provision are analysed and resolved. Yellow and blue result in green, the colour for the mindful attitude towards all people and medicines. In the green area, knowledge and skills are applied to the person's individual care planning.

Eleven body systems and mediScheme

Diagnoses and medicines are assigned to the eleven body systems on the mediScheme. Diagnoses will match the eleven body systems first. Then, medicines will match the corresponding diagnosis. The role of medication in care planning will be concluded. Due to the clear overview medication errors will occur less often. They will either be prevented or recognized well in time and then dealt with professionally. Workshop participants will improve their observation skills and connect it with their knowledge about medication. Can a newly occurring problem be related to the therapy with medicines?

Medication when required (PRN)

The main topic of the mediMethod is the role of edication in care planning, particularly including nutrition management, fall prevention and pain management. Complementary medicine and resource activation are considered to help PRN medication work. Workshop participants will gain more confidence when handling medication. Their sense of responsibility will grow and eventually, their job satisfaction increases due to growing competence. Fewer medication errors occur. The patient´s quality of life improves.

The mediScheme

The mediScheme is a figure in the shape of the human body, which also serves as a memory board in the workshops of the mediMethod. The orange colouring and white spiral indicate that the human being is a unity of body, mind and soul. The mediScheme can be used to show healthy body functions. The effects of health-promoting offers, such as mindfulness or music, 

can also be explained with the mediScheme. In illness, diagnoses and medicines are assigned to the eleven body systems. The improved overview reveals possible risks in the therapy with medicines, which should definitely be considered in care planning. The mediScheme is an essential instrument of the mediMethod.