Switching from paper medication charts to an electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) system can feel like a big step. But for many care homes across the UK, it’s a step worth taking. eMAR systems help improve safety, save time, and reduce errors. One common question care home managers ask is: Can the eMAR system be customised to suit our specific needs?
The answer is yes. One of the biggest advantages of using an eMAR system is its ability to adapt to different care environments. Whether you run a small residential care home or a larger nursing facility, you can tailor the eMAR system to fit how your team works, what your residents need, and what regulations you must follow.
Here’s how eMAR customisation works—and why it matters for your care home.
1. Custom Medication Lists
Not every care home uses the same medications. A hospital may stock hundreds of drugs, while your care home might focus on treatments for long-term conditions, dementia, or elderly care. With a custom eMAR system, you can set up medication lists that match what you actually use. This makes it easier for staff to select the right drugs, reduces clutter, and lowers the risk of choosing the wrong item. It also helps new or agency staff stay on track.
2. User Roles and Access Levels
Your team includes carers, nurses, managers, and sometimes visiting professionals such as GPs or pharmacists. Not all of them need the same access to the system. A good eMAR system lets you control who can do what. Carers might only record when a medicine has been given. Nurses might be able to see more detail or make notes. Managers might run reports or check audit trails. Giving the right access to the right people helps protect resident data and supports GDPR compliance.
3. Custom Workflows for Daily Routines
Every care home has its own routine for giving out medication. Some care homes follow strict rounds, while others offer more flexible times, especially in supported living settings. An eMAR system should match your daily flow. Whether you need reminders, task lists, or handover notes, custom workflows ensure the system supports your staff—not the other way round. This makes medication rounds quicker, clearer, and less stressful.
4. Linking with Other Systems
Many care homes now use other digital tools. A well-designed eMAR system can link with these tools, so you don’t need to type the same information twice. For example, when a GP changes a prescription, the update can appear directly in your eMAR system. This avoids delays and reduces errors. It also means your records stay up to date and consistent across systems.
5. Tailored Alerts and Reminders
Keeping track of medication times and changes can be tricky—especially when caring for multiple residents. That’s where alerts and reminders come in. You can set up the system to remind staff when medicine is due, flag up missed doses, or warn of possible drug interactions. These alerts are designed around your care home’s needs and help staff act fast, reducing risks and improving resident safety.
6. Personalised Care Needs
Different residents have different care needs. A child in respite care may need weight-based doses. An elderly resident may need extra monitoring for side effects or help swallowing pills. An eMAR system can include personalised notes, instructions, and dose calculations. This ensures staff know exactly what each resident needs, every time they give medicine. It also helps you meet CQC standards for person-centred care.
7. Custom Record-keeping and Notes
Every care home keeps records in its own way. Some homes need extra space for notes, such as how a resident reacted to a medicine or why a dose was refused.
A flexible eMAR system lets you add the fields you need. Whether it’s tracking PRN usage, noting allergies, or recording outcomes, the system can collect and store the right data. This helps you stay compliant and makes audits much easier.
No two care homes are the same. That’s why it’s important to choose an eMAR system that can be tailored to your exact needs. From medication lists and staff roles to alerts, notes, and reports, the right system fits around your care—not the other way around. By using a custom eMAR system, you can support your team, protect your residents, and improve the quality of care in your home.
