The number of complex processes involved in managing medication for care home residents call for medication management systems that are thorough. Using paper-based MAR (medication administration record) sheet medication management has been the convention in the care home sector.
However, many care homes in the UK are replacing conventional MAR sheet with electronic MAR. The software includes digital medication administration record templates that bear stark resemblance with conventional MAR sheets.
What are the key differences between the two? And which is the better option? Read the answers to these questions below:
1) Risk of medication errors – high in MAR sheet, low in electronic MAR
The risk of medication errors is often high in care homes using conventional MAR sheets. This is because paper-based MAR sheets involve a lot of manual processes associated with medication management of every resident.
However, this is not the case with electronic MAR as the software is designed to streamline medication management processes digitally. By eliminating the paper-based hassles, electronic MAR lowers care staff stress. This, in turn, leads to improved productivity and lowered risk of medication errors.
2) Efficiency of care operations – low in MAR sheet, high in electronic MAR
Medication management processes are time-consuming, and working with comprehensive paper-based medication records add more to the time consumed. Which hampers the efficiency of the care team.
Electronic MAR is designed to produce electronic medication administration records for each resident. The single data entry point of electronic MAR eliminates the need to segregate and cross-check vital medication information manually, thus improving operational efficiency. Click Electronic MAR Learn more about .
3) Adaptability – low in MAR sheet, high in electronic MAR
Conventional MAR sheets aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution; pharmacists and/or care workers need to design or modify the paper-based MAR sheets as per the type and operations of the care home.
Unlike conventional MAR sheets, electronic MAR has a superior adaptability. The flexibility of making changes in a jiffy and seamlessly duplicating them makes electronic MAR an ideal medication management system for different types of care homes. Electronic MAR is suitable for Nursing Care, Dementia Care, Learning Disability Care, Elderly Care, Specialist Care, Rehabilitation Centres, and Short Term/Respite Care.
4) Accessibility – low in MAR sheet, high in electronic MAR
When it comes to creating month-end audits, accessibility matters a lot. In conventional MAR sheet medication management, care workers have to go through stacks of MAR sheets.
This is where the improved accessibility of electronic MAR becomes beneficial. The software makes it easy for care workers to collate data. The Medication Balance Calculator of electronic MAR makes auditing easy.
Make the switch to electronic MAR for improved care operations & resident safety
With electronic MAR, updating medication information, reviewing it, altering it, and auditing it is available at your fingertips. Consolidate your care home’s care operations, and improve care quality and resident safety by making the switch to electronic MAR.
