This course has been developed for the clients who requires assistance with self-administration of medication. The self instructional program consists of a printed training manual, an instructional video and several paper and pencil tests. It is designed for providers caring for clients who only require assistance with (not administration of) their medication.

The instructional video is approximately 55 minutes in length and is comprised of 12 vignettes varying in length from three to five minutes. The topics covered include:

1) what is assistance with administration of medication;

2) when the caregiver may not assist a client with self administration of medication;

3) the six rights of assisting a client with their administration with their medication; and

4) safety principles in assisting the client with their medication.

5) Information is also provided on:

a) when to contact the health care practitioner;

b) the pharmacist and the AL manager;

c) how to read a prescription;

d) how to read a pharmacy label; and

e) how medications are packaged and stored safely.

The training manual, which accompanies the instructional video, reinforces the instructional video tape and it is a resource manual for later use. In addition, the manual can also serve as the basis for any written policies and procedures.

The material contained in the instructional video and manual is tested by a paper and pencil examinations, one test for each of the 12 vignettes. The test questions vary from a minimum of two questions to nine questions per vignette. At the completion of each vignette, the learner completes a paper and pencil examination of the material just learned. Each employee’s test results can be placed in the employee’s personnel file as evidence of the employee having completed the Cuing, Coaching and Monitoring course.

The combination of a self instructional video and manual affords the learner the opportunity to see, hear and read the instructional information before being tested on the material. This method permits the individual to "master" the material as learning takes place over time, i.e. "learn a little," "test a little,". Mastery allows for individuals with a wide range of educational backgrounds and skills to be successful in acquiring new technical information. The instructional video, manual and tests can be purchased from the Office of Health Care Quality.