Care home managers are increasingly adopting digital medical records or electronic medical records (EMRs) to streamline their administrative processes, improve the quality of care provided to their residents and enhance communication with other healthcare providers. Digital medical records offer several advantages over traditional paper-based records, including improved accessibility, accuracy and security. In this article, we will explore why digital medical records are gaining popularity among care home managers and the benefits they offer to both providers and residents.
1. Accuracy:
The accuracy of digital records surpasses that of paper-based records due to their ability to eliminate errors caused by illegible handwriting, incomplete, duplicate, or conflicting information. Additionally, digital records provide healthcare providers with access to comprehensive patient information, which results in significant improvements in patient care and outcomes.
2. Accessibility:
Digital medical records help care staff access a resident’s information from anywhere and at any time. With digital medical records, all the necessary information is stored electronically and can be easily accessed from any device with internet connectivity, such as a computer or tablet. This added flexibility and convenience mean that care staff no longer need to physically access a resident’s chart to review their medical history, medications, and care plan. This not only saves time but also prevents delays in care that may arise when a resident’s chart is not readily available.
3. Efficiency:
Care homes can minimise the risk of medication errors with EMRs, resulting in improved accuracy and time savings. Moreover, EMRs can be seamlessly integrated with various other healthcare systems, such as billing and appointment scheduling, facilitating streamlined workflows and reduced administrative burden.
5. Improved quality of care:
In a conventional paper-based medical records system, there is always a risk of misplacing or not being able to access a resident’s chart promptly. This can result in delayed treatment. However, with EMRs, care staff can quickly search and retrieve a resident’s complete medical history, including any potential drug interactions or allergies that might pose a severe risk to their health. This becomes especially critical in emergency situations where timely and accurate information could be the determining factor between life and death.
6. Engagement:
Digital medical records empower residents by allowing them to access their personal test results and disease information. This increased involvement can improve adherence to treatment plans and encourage the development of healthy lifestyle habits, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.
Many care homes in the UK are moving from paper-based AMR charts to eMAR. With eMAR charts, care staff can fill out medication administration records more efficiently and accurately, as electronic records eliminate the risk of clerical errors or illegible handwriting causing confusion and potentially leading to medication errors. In addition, eMAR systems can provide alerts and reminders to care staff regarding medication administration schedules and dosage, which can further reduce the risk of errors. To know how eMAR can help you streamline medication administration at your care home, book a demo today.Â