Healthcare staff in the UK record medication administration using electronic medication administration records (eMAR) or traditional nursing notes. Knowing how these differ helps UK healthcare professionals improve patient care and efficiency. Here, we will explore some of the differences:
eMAR charting
Electronic MAR system is a digital system that allows staff to record medication administration instantly. This system improves accuracy and accessibility in NHS settings. Medication orders enter the system electronically, often linking to NHS databases. This approach reduces medication errors by sending alerts for missed doses or incorrect medications. Healthcare staff can quickly check a patient’s medication history, reducing errors from copying doctors’ orders or updating records. Recording in “real-time” ensures accuracy and keeps patient records current. .
eMAR improves communication among nurses, pharmacists, and doctors. Everyone accesses the same records, helping teams collaborate effectively. Many eMAR systems include barcode scanning to confirm the correct patient receives the right medication. This feature improves safety, especially in busy healthcare facilities.
Traditional nursing notes
Traditional notes involve manually recording medication administration on paper charts. This method remains common due to its simplicity and flexibility. Nurses record detailed patient observations, capturing information that standard digital forms might miss.
However, handwritten notes have drawbacks. Illegible writing, missing details, or delays in updates can cause medication errors. These errors include transcription mistakes, omitted doses, or incorrect timing. Outdated charts increase the risk of missed or incorrect medications. Paper records also take time to locate, slowing workflow in busy wards.
Traditional notes can limit communication among healthcare teams. Information stored in separate charts makes it harder for staff to find recent updates. This gap in communication may impact patient care quality.
The UK health sector is rapidly embracing technology to improve medication administration and patient safety. While electronic prescribing systems have already proven their worth, reducing medication errors by around 30% compared to traditional paper methods, the journey is far from over. Another survey showed 96% of staff reported time savings and 93% preferred the electronic system over paper – this illustrates the benefits of these technological advancements. Other technologies, such as eMAR and barcode scanning, are also playing an increasingly important role. To know more on how eAMR is streamlining medication administration at healthcare facilities, check this useful read.