What Is The Role Of The Medical Assistant In IV Therapy?

 

Medical assistants perform or help with non-invasive techniques under the guidance and support of technical, medical staff, doctors, licensed nurses, certified guides, and physicians. The medical assistants don’t need any certificate or need to attend any course that could make them do this job. All they have to do is perform the non-invasive techniques in the hospitals under the guidance and supervision of medical staff and the technical support system.

 

Here in this blog, we will be looking at the medical assistant's role in IV therapy.

Medical assistants play an important role during and in IV therapy; they provide support and assistance that helps the nurses and staff carry out their tasks easily and accurately. The support of medical assistants to the health care professional proves to be very beneficial in the administration of IV therapy; here are some of the important tasks that the medical assistants perform in IV therapy:

1. Preparing the pieces of equipment:

In the medical field, if the equipment is all in one place, the regular tasks are performed easily and quickly; the medical assistants are responsible for preparing and gathering all the necessary equipment for IV therapy. The equipment includes the medical catheters, syringes, infusion sets, bags, and the additional supplies needed to perform the procedure.

 

2.       Getting the patient ready:

Another important responsibility of the medical assistant is; they prepare the patient as well. by letting them know about everything about their procedure, dressing the patient by scrubbing them, letting them know about the process of the patient, and clearing up all the necessary questions that the patient asks about the procedure. Furthermore, they may also access the patient’s vitals before they go through the procedure, also reviewing the patient’s history.

 

3.       Vein puncture:

Though the medical assistant doesn’t perform any invasion, under the supervision and guidance of the trained staff, they may locate the correct vein for IV, disinfect it and insert an IV catheter in it. But all these functions are performed and done by the medical assistant under the guidance and supervision of a medical professional.

 

4.       Assessment:

During IV therapy, the medical assistant may monitor the patient’s condition by looking at the condition. That whether the patient is going through common adverse issues during the IV line like phlebitis, anaphylactic shock or any allergic reaction. And if they notice any of the symptoms, they immediately report it to the medical supervisor for monitoring and further treatment.

 

5.       Troubleshooting and maintenance:

The medical assistant may maintain the IV line or address any problem that may arise, such as the occlusions, dislodgement or trapping of air bubbles that clog the blood resulting in a painful condition. They may also access discontinuing the IV therapy after the drip is completed.

 

6.        Documentation:

 Accurate and thorough documentation is essential in healthcare settings. Medical assistants may be responsible for documenting the details of the IV therapy, including the type and amount of medication or fluids administered, vital signs, and any patient reactions or complications.

 

It's important to note that the specific responsibilities of medical assistants in IV therapy may vary depending on factors such as state regulations, healthcare facility policies, and the level of training and certification of the medical assistant. Additionally, some tasks related to IV therapy may require additional training beyond the standard medical assistant education.

 

Qualities Of Medical Assistant:

To be an effective medical assistant, certain qualities and skills are beneficial. Here are some important qualities of a medical assistant:

1. Empathy and Compassion:

 Medical assistants work closely with patients, and having empathy and compassion is crucial for providing emotional support and building a trusting relationship. They should be able to understand patients' concerns and make them feel comfortable.

2. Communication Skills:

 Strong communication skills are essential for medical assistants. They should be able to communicate effectively with patients, healthcare providers, and other healthcare team members. Clear and concise communication helps ensure accurate information exchange and prevents misunderstandings.

3. Organizational Skills: 

Medical assistants juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously. Being organized helps them manage their workload efficiently, prioritize tasks, and maintain a structured and orderly work environment. This includes managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and keeping track of supplies and equipment.

4. Attention to Detail:

 Medical assistants must pay close attention to detail to ensure accuracy in tasks such as taking vital signs, documenting patient information, and following medical instructions. Attention to detail is crucial for preventing errors and maintaining patient safety.

 

5. Adaptability:

 Healthcare environments can be fast-paced and unpredictable. Medical assistants should be adaptable and flexible in handling situations such as sudden schedule changes, patient emergencies, or new procedures. They should be able to adjust their approach and priorities accordingly.

 

6. Technical Skills:

 Medical assistants use various medical equipment, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and software applications. Proficiency in using these tools and a willingness to learn new technologies are important for efficient and accurate documentation, scheduling, and other administrative tasks.

 

7. Teamwork and Collaboration: 

Medical assistants work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. Being a team player, actively participating in team discussions, and having good interpersonal skills contribute to a positive work environment and effective patient care.