In an industry where accuracy and compliance are paramount, many assisted living communities are still relying on paper-based medication administration records (MAR). While this method has been used for years, advancements in technology have introduced a far superior alternative: Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMAR).
Switching from paper MAR to an eMAR system not only improves medication safety and reduces administrative burden but also enhances the overall quality of care. Here are the top reasons your community should make the switch in 2024.
1. Improved Accuracy and Reduced Medication Errors
Paper-based records are prone to human error—whether due to illegible handwriting, lost sheets, or incorrect manual entries. Even the most experienced caregivers can make mistakes when documenting medication administration manually.
With an eMAR system, medication information is automatically updated, and caregivers can record administration in real time with a simple click. This reduces the likelihood of missed doses or incorrect administration times. eMAR systems also send alerts and reminders for medication schedules, ensuring compliance and improving safety.
Why It Matters: The Institute of Medicine reports that medication errors harm at least 1.5 million people annually in the U.S. alone. Transitioning to an eMAR system can significantly reduce these errors, improving resident outcomes.
2. Enhanced Compliance and Reporting
Regulatory compliance is a key concern for long-term care facilities. With a paper MAR, staying compliant with state and federal regulations often involves time-consuming audits, paper trails, and potential errors in record-keeping.
An eMAR system automatically generates audit-ready reports, ensuring that every medication administration is logged accurately. This makes it easier to remain compliant with regulations such as HIPAA and CMS guidelines.
Why It Matters: Regulatory audits can be stressful and time-consuming with paper-based systems. eMAR simplifies compliance by automatically maintaining accurate records and generating reports on demand.
3. Increased Efficiency for Staff
Administering medications using paper MARs can be a slow, cumbersome process. Staff members must manually record each dose, often while juggling multiple residents' medication schedules. This can lead to delayed medication administration and increased stress for caregivers.
An eMAR system streamlines this process by allowing staff to quickly access medication records via tablets or workstations. With real-time updates and mobile access, caregivers can record medication administration at the point of care, reducing paperwork and freeing up time for resident engagement.
Why It Matters: McKnight’s Senior Living reports that facilities adopting eMAR systems see a significant reduction in time spent on administrative tasks, giving caregivers more time to focus on providing high-quality care.
4. Better Communication and Collaboration
In assisted living communities, medication administration is often a collaborative effort between caregivers, nurses, physicians, and pharmacies. A paper MAR can create communication gaps that lead to delayed medication updates, missed refills, or incorrect instructions.
With eMAR, everyone involved in a resident’s care can access up-to-date information instantly. eMAR systems can even integrate with pharmacy software, automatically updating medication lists and orders. This reduces the risk of medication discrepancies and improves the overall coordination of care.
Why It Matters: Efficient communication among staff and pharmacies ensures residents receive the right medications at the right time. eMAR systems help eliminate the lag and errors that come with paper MARs.
5. Environmental and Cost Savings
While the upfront cost of implementing an eMAR system may seem significant, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. Paper MARs require a constant supply of physical resources (paper, ink, binders) and result in cluttered storage rooms with outdated records.
Switching to an eMAR system eliminates the need for paper, reduces administrative overhead, and streamlines processes that would otherwise take up valuable staff time. Many facilities find that the investment in an eMAR pays for itself through improved operational efficiency and reduced medication errors.
Why It Matters: By transitioning to eMAR, your facility can cut down on waste, reduce costs associated with maintaining paper records, and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.
Why Choose ECP’s eMAR for Your Community? At ECP, we understand the challenges that assisted living communities face in medication management. Our eMAR system offers a fully integrated solution that simplifies medication administration, improves accuracy, and enhances compliance. With mobile access, real-time updates, and automated reporting, your community will experience a significant improvement in medication safety and staff efficiency.
Ready to make the switch from paper MAR to eMAR? Request a demo of ECP’s eMAR and see how we can help streamline your medication administration process.
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