Support workers are often on the front lines of pandemic response. They are the ones who will be assisting patients, answering questions, and providing support for their needs. It is no surprise that during a pandemic, they would also need to handle medications, such as applying drugs and vaccines. We all know how important it is to have medication training for support workers when working in healthcare, but what about during a pandemic? Let’s take a look at several reasons why support workers should be given medication training during a pandemic:

The Coronavirus Keeps Mutating

Pandemics are unpredictable and can change suddenly. A new strain of the coronavirus was first identified in September 2012. The virus has mutated and is now more contagious than SARS, which means it will be even more challenging for health workers to contain its spread.Support workers must know how infected people should take their medication according to their pandemic plans (such as what time is appropriate, the type of drugs and medications to counter the disease’s spread, and if boosters are required). All of these can be understood if they have completed their medication training.

Support Workers Are in High Demand Due to the Pandemic

The healthcare system will be more stressed during a pandemic, creating an increased need for support workers to take on medication training responsibilities. This will help support workers understand how best to protect themselves, especially in today’s climate of constant pandemic threats. Because they are in the front lines, they are the first layer of defense against the virus, which puts them at significant risk, which is why their numbers are dropping, and we need capable workers who have finished their medication training on standby.

While untrained personnel has many risks associated with medication management, this situation promotes a positive relationship between new and potential support worker candidates and the healthcare industry—all cooperating harmoniously in the joined effort of curbing the coronavirus’ spread.

Minimizing Human Mistakes

Medication errors tend to increase in times of stress. This means it’s even more critical than ever that the medications are given out by your support workers correctly. It’s a good idea to have medication training in place, so your support workers know — and can show that they know– how to give out the correct medications, when it should be done, how it should be done, etc.It is also essential for staff members who may not be giving out medications daily to understand their role during an emergency to assist and even replace them if such occasions demand their helping hands.…