Medication is taken in liquid, tablet, inhaler and injection forms by many people with disability in the workplace on a daily basis. Improper management of medication can lead to the person experiencing minor or serious side effects or time off work.
A range of aids are available to assist people correctly administer medication independently within the workplace and therefore enable them to maintain their optimum level of health and productivity at work.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with limited hand mobility, strength, finger dexterity unsteadiness of the hand or visual impairment, measuring and administering correct dosages of medication independently in the workplace or at home can prove challenging. Depending on the form of medication taken, there are various aids to assist independent measurement and dispensing of these within the workplace, allowing management of a medical condition:
- Medication taken in tablet form—Tablets may be required to be cut in half prior to taking to allow this to be done independently there are a range of tablet or pill cutters with and without magnification
- Medication taken by injection—A range of injection aids including needle guides, insulin bottle holders and dispensers are available to assist those with restricted hand dexterity to independently manage their diabetes at work
- Medication taken through inhalers—A range of appliances and aids are available to assist with management of asthma and other respiratory conditions and diseases including a plastic lever that can attach to an inhaler to assist operation for those with reduced strength and hand dexterity
- Medication taken by suppository—For those with restricted upper limb mobility which makes it difficult to reach behind, long handled suppository inserters are available
- Medication taken in liquid form—A range of non spill medicine spoons and cups are available that minimise or restrict spillage of medicine for those with unsteady hands.
For more information on adapted medication dosage equipment for specific medical conditions, see the links below:
References
Better Health Channel 2010, Medicines—safety issues, State Government of Victoria, Victoria, viewed 7 February 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Medicines_safety_issues?open.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Medication Management, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 February 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search3.asp?State=VIC&MC=11&MinC=77.