1. Purpose

To provide a structured framework for the safe and consistent administration of prescribed medication using a nebulizer and to support competency assessment of healthcare personnel.

2. Scope

This policy applies to healthcare personnel who are authorised, trained and assessed as competent to perform the procedure within their scope of practice and institutional requirements.

3. Patient Assessment

The patient should be appropriately identified and assessed before the procedure. Relevant allergies, risk factors and baseline clinical observations should be considered.

4. Equipment

• Prescribed medication.
• Clean, appropriate nebulizer equipment.
• Patient-specific mask or appropriate interface.
• Required source of nebulization according to the approved clinical procedure.
• Hand hygiene facilities.
• Required monitoring equipment.

5. Procedure

The procedure must be performed according to the approved prescription, institutional policy and the healthcare professional's scope of practice.

1. Introduce yourself and greet the patient.
2. Explain the procedure to the patient.
3. Maintain a therapeutic environment.
4. Perform appropriate hand hygiene.
5. Identify the patient using approved identifiers.
6. Identify allergies and relevant risk factors.
7. Confirm the prescription.
8. Assess the indication for the procedure.
9. Maintain patient privacy and safety.
10. Obtain baseline observations.
11. Prepare medication and equipment correctly.
12. Administer the nebulized medication according to the approved procedure.
13. Monitor the patient throughout the procedure.
14. Document the procedure and relevant observations.

6. Patient Safety

Patient identification, prescription verification, medication checks, allergy assessment, monitoring and appropriate escalation are essential components of safe practice.

Any unexpected deterioration or adverse response must be managed according to the applicable emergency and escalation procedures of the healthcare facility.

7. Medication Checks

• Verify the prescription.
• Confirm medication name.
• Confirm dosage.
• Confirm frequency and route.
• Check expiry date.
• Use appropriate medication checking procedures.
• Do not leave prepared medication unattended.

8. Documentation

Documentation should accurately reflect the medication administered, relevant observations, patient response and any adverse events or escalation required.

9. Competency Assessment

The competency checklist associated with this policy evaluates the healthcare professional's performance. A minimum competency score of 85% is required. Critical items are identified separately.