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| Authors | S Attard Montalto M Sciberras J Camilleri |
| Abstract | Background: The requirement for regular medication and, sometimes, medical procedures, during school hours may hinder regular attendance. Similarly, unsupervised administration by pupil or teachers is potentially dangerous to the pupil, his peers and may result in litigation against teachers and education authorities. Aim: A national protocol with clear guidelines for pupils, parents, attending doctors and all relevant personnel from the Division of Education was designed for the safe administration of medicines to children in mainstream schools. Methods: The protocol differentiated between ORDINARY and EXTRAORDINARY guidelines to cater for the majority on regular medication who require the ingestion of tablets, syrup, inhalers or drops generally once during school hours, and the remaining 5% who require special medication (e.g. dangerous or controlled drugs), invasive medication (e.g. per rectum, injections, via enteral tube), or special procedures (e.g. urinary catheterization, injection through indwelling central ports, etc). A standing committee was proposed to assess the application of parents for extraordinary procedures on an ad hoc basis, with an emphasis on the feasibility of introducing such procedures in school. For the remaining majority, a clear protocol standardized the following: i. Request Form (with medical section outlining details of prescription including name, dosage, method of administration, time, method of storage, etc); ii. Consent Form for parents/guardians; iii. Designation and training of staff, co-ordinated by head of school; iv. Specific forms for recording daily administration, errors, complications, etc; v. Practice for disposal of medicines; vi. Request for review/renewal/cancellation of established approval. Conclusion: Pending clarification on indemnity, legal issues and official approval, the protocol should significantly facilitate school attendance in children requiring regular medication. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | medicines, protocol, school health service |