Issues of Medication Administration and Control in Iowa Schools

Abstract

Who is responsible for medication administration at school? To answer this question, a descriptive, self-administered survey was mailed to a random sample of 850 school principals in Iowa. The eight-page, 57-item, anonymous survey was mailed first class, and a follow-up reminder post card was mailed two weeks later. Descriptive analyses were conducted, with type of respondent (principal versus school nurse), grade level, and size of school examined to explore differences. A 46.6% response rate was obtained; 97% of respondents indicated their schools had written guidelines for medication administration. Principals (41%) and school nurses (34%) reported that they have the ultimate legal responsibility for medication administration. Policies for medication administration on field trips were available in schools of 73.6% of respondents. High schools were more likely to allow self-medication than other grade levels. "Missed dose" was the most common medication error. The main reasons contributing to medication administration errors included poor communication among school, family, and healthcare providers, and the increased number of students on medication. It remains unclear who holds ultimate responsibility for medication administration in schools. Written policies typically exist for medication administration at school, but not field trips. Communicating medication changes to schools, and ensuring medications are available at school, likely can reduce medication administration errors.

Medical Use, Illicit Use and Diversion of Prescription Stimulant Medication

“…A better understanding of the diversion of medically prescribed stimulants is available for elementary and sec ondary school students (e.g. McCabe, Teter & Boyd 2004;Farris et al 2003;Moline & Frankenberger 2001;Poulin 2001;Musser et al 1998). Of school children in rural Mid western areas who had been prescribed stimulant medication, 16% were approached to sell, give or trade their stimulant medication (Musser et al 1998 fo und that approximately 15% who were prescribed stimu lants gave them away and 7% reported selling them (Poulin 200 I).…”

The Interface between Mental Health Providers, Families, and Schools: Parent and Child Attitudes about Information-Sharing

“…5, 1993). Recent research of medication administration issues in Iowa schools highlights an ongoing confusion among school personnel about who holds ultimate responsibility for such issues and how to ensure medications are safely available (Farris, McCarthy, Kelly, Clay, & Gross, 2003).…”

Health-Care Reform and School-Based Health Care

“…16,17 For both chronic and acute conditions, medication management by trained medical professionals is a daily need in schools. [18][19][20] School policies and child (and adult) health School policies can have a major impact on child and adult health. A class schedule with few opportunities for vigorous physical activity or lunch menus with poor nutritional content contribute not only to unhealthy children but also unhealthy adults by encouraging poor health habits and facilitating bad health results.…”