Administering methadone safely
Last October, the College completed a survey to help identify the needs of nurses who administer methadone.
The survey was distributed to nurses working in settings that administer methadone. Thirty-four RNs and one NP completed the survey.
Members of the College’s Mental Health and Correctional Services Advisory Group identified methadone administration as one of the major challenges in their practice settings. In the survey, 24 of the 35 nurses indicated they feel that not all of the members on their interdisciplinary team understand their role and responsibilities regarding the administration of methadone.
Only about one-half of the nurses surveyed reported feeling comfortable in their role administering methadone. Most of the respondents, though, indicated the College’s Medication practice standard adequately addresses administration of the drug. The survey results identified potential systems issues that nurses perceive may hinder their ability to practise according to the standard.
For example, the physical facility may not provide adequate security for the storage and administration of methadone, or for post-administration observation.
The Medication standard covers all types and classifications of drugs that nurses administer, including methadone. It specifies that nurses need to try to be aware of all medications – including prescription, non-prescription and street drugs – that clients are taking to be alert to potential drug interactions.
The College is participating on a panel with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), which is creating a methadone best practices guideline as part of a provincial interprofessional partnership formed in 2007. The Ontario College of Pharmacists, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the RNAO are collaborating on best practice guidelines and training, quality assurance and enforcement, public awareness and community engagement.
To learn more about the Outreach Advisory Groups, go to www.cno.org/outreach.