SMARTT Program


SMARTT is the smart way create a safer medication environment in assisted living facilities

 

SMARTT (Self-Medication Awareness and Responsibility Through Training) is a series of educational programs designed to help assisted living residents use their medications safely, wisely and responsibly. The programs are custom-designed to address the three pertinent audiences: assisted living residents, nurse aides and licensed nurses. The program strives to empower each group with the essential knowledge and skills they need to create and maintain safer medication practices in the assisted living environment.

Educational topics for each group include:

 

For residents…

  • Safe use of medications

  • Being an informed consumer

  • Reading a medication label

  • Taking medications responsibly and safely

  • Resources for help and information

For nurse aides…

  • Overview of assisted living

  • Normal vs. abnormal changes of aging

  • Why older adults are at risk for medication-related problems

  • Examples of medication-related problems

  • Warning signs of medication-related problems

  • The who, what, when, why and how of reporting problems

  • Comparing "assistance" with "administration" of medications

  • Specific responsibilities of nurse aides

For licensed nurses…

  • Philosophy of assisted living

  • Applicable state laws

  • Components of safe self-administration of medications

  • Elements of a complete self-medication assessment

  • Assessment and documentation of a resident's self-medication abilities

  • Assessment and documentation of cognitive function

  • Fostering self-responsibility among residents

  • Delegation and accountability issues and practices

 

SMARTT program benefits

 

In addition to promoting safer medication practices in general, the SMARTT program helps identify residents who are at significantly higher risk for problems early and accurately to help minimize negative outcomes. By providing a standardized protocol for training, it clarifies the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the self-administration process and promotes autonomy, independence and dignity for residents. Finally, it strengthens the knowledge base of nurse aides and reduces nursing time spent in preparing and administering medications.

 

To learn more or arrange for training, contact Jo Donovan, RN, BSN, Director of Clinical Education, at 513-459-8484, ext 2702 or 800-334-1624.