The shift from paper-based processes to digital systems in social care is a growing trend that reflects the need for improved efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. New innovations, like electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) systems, are at the forefront of this digital revolution.
Advanced eMAR systems, such as Camascope’s, assist with medication management transformation in care homes by significantly reducing medication errors and boosting operational efficiencies.
Efficiency through innovation
Camascope’s eMAR system is a powerful tool engineered to streamline medication management and enhance communication. Replacing traditional paper-based MAR charts with a user-friendly digital system helps minimise manual, time-consuming recording-keeping and reduces the risk of human error. eMAR provides real-time, clear, and accurate information, making medication management more efficient and reliable.
On the Camascope system, staff have all relevant medication information for residents at the point-of-care during administrations. This enhances medicine round efficiencies with staff no longer having to trawl through large paper files to find person-centred information. It also ensures that staff members have up-to-date health information relating to a person’s medication preferences.
Transparency, accountability, and traceability
Every action on Camascope’s eMAR system is time and user-stamped, creating a simple way of auditing medication records. Additionally, the system’s ability to retrieve historic MAR charts instead of sifting through files of paper MAR charts improves efficiencies in a care home. These features are especially valuable during internal audits and regulatory inspections, enabling care homes to demonstrate their compliance when it comes to safe and effective medication management processes.
In a recent CQC report at Haslington Lodge, the inspection report mentions how Camascope’s eMAR system improves efficiencies:
“Staff told us the new system saved time and they felt medicines management was safer. An ongoing count of medicines in stock was recorded and alerts were raised if a medicine had not been given at the time prescribed.”
Simplified medication check-in and communication
eMAR also simplifies the medication checking-in process through its in-built pharmacy integration. Changes to previous cycles are flagged to staff members, who can quickly resolve any issues quickly.
In addition to this, reordering of medications via eMAR is also a big time-saver. Seeing accurate levels when placing orders ensures speeds up the order process, whilst reducing the risk of running out of essential medicines. Direct integration with the pharmacy also helps to guarantee that the correct medication is administered and consolidates all medication information in one place, making it easier to manage and monitor.
Proxy Ordering enhances the often fragmented communication between the GP, pharmacy and the care home, offering a solution to the ‘Missing Items Problems’. Proxy Ordering embedded into Camascope’s eMAR means that orders are sent directly into the GP system (EMIS, SystmOne, Vision) while ensuring the care provider and pharmacy have full visibility of the prescription status. All these features and the ability to conduct quick stock audits contribute to efficient time management.
More time for person-centred care
eMAR is not just a digital tool but a transformative solution designed to improve operational efficiency in care homes significantly. By reducing medication errors, enhancing transparency, simplifying medication reordering, and providing robust audit trails, eMAR is leading the way to safer, more efficient care. Additionally, the time-saving benefits of eMAR will allow care staff to dedicate more time to providing personalised and person-centred care to residents.
If you’d like to know how Camascope's new eMAR solution can work for your organisation, contact us to find out more.
