The healthcare and social care landscape is evolving, with technology becoming a critical component in enhancing resident care and simplifying administrative tasks.
A key development is the introduction of electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) systems, a digital tool redefining medication management processes across the care continuum.
From paper to digital
eMAR is an electronic alternative to conventional paper-based medication administration records, documenting all medication administered to a resident. This vital information is integral to the resident's permanent medical record, highlighting the importance of accuracy and timely updates.
eMAR systems offer many improvements over paper-based counterparts by increasing legibility and accountability. Compared to handwritten records, which can often be unclear due to poor handwriting, eMAR systems ensure information is recorded clearly and consistently, removing uncertainty. eMAR systems also provide accountability, as they track and document all changes along with the names of the staff members who made them. This feature eliminates the issue of incomplete entries and makes it easy to establish accountability among staff members, a feat nearly impossible with paper-based processes.
Additionally, eMAR systems offer numerous other benefits. They seamlessly integrate with pharmacy software, enabling real-time updates and strengthened communication along the prescription pathway.
When a new prescription is ordered, it is automatically populated on the eMAR system after the pharmacist's review and approval. This feature enhances efficiency and promotes a robust communication channel between care providers and pharmacies.
eMAR systems also contribute to heightened compliance and resident safety by reducing medication errors. They assist in ensuring the correct medication is administered in the right dose, at the appropriate time, to the correct residents. Advanced eMAR systems, such as Camascope's, utilise technology to enhance these safety measures. Before administration, care staff can access detailed patient medication information, monitor medication interactions, and schedule PRN follow-ups, ensuring accuracy and safety.
Increasing resident safety
eMAR systems also contribute to heightened compliance and resident safety by reducing medication errors. They assist in ensuring the correct medication is administered in the right dose, at the appropriate time, to the correct residents. Advanced eMAR systems, such as Camascope's, utilise technology to enhance these safety measures. Before administration, care staff can access detailed patient medication information, monitor medication interactions, and schedule PRN follow-ups, ensuring accuracy and safety.
Camascope's eMAR system is designed to reduce medication errors and improve compliance by digitising the medication management process.
It strengthens communication between pharmacies and care homes and offers proxy ordering, providing real-time updates along the prescription lifecycle - this real-time communication and tracking significantly enhances medication administration efficiency.
A significant leap forward
In addition to improving patient safety, eMAR systems also increase operational efficiency. They speed up medication rounds and tasks, whilst improving accuracy and data collection. This operational efficiency frees up care staff, allowing them to spend more time on direct patient care.
eMAR systems represent a significant leap forward in care technology. They improve the accuracy of medication administration, enhance communication between healthcare providers and pharmacies, and decrease the likelihood of medication errors. As the health and care sector evolves, tools like eMAR will become increasingly important in improving patient care and healthcare administration efficiency.
If you’d like to know how Camascope's new eMAR solution can work for your organisation, contact us to find out more.
