Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR)
What is an electronic medication administration record (eMAR)?
An electronic medication administration record (eMAR) is the digital version of the traditional paper medication administration records used in healthcare facilities. It serves as a legal record of all the drugs that healthcare professionals have administered to a patient and is a part of the patient’s electronic health record (EHR). eMAR systems are typically provided by specialized software vendors.
For optimal patient care, the eMAR must be accurate and updated regularly. This ensures that all healthcare providers are aware of the medications a patient is currently taking or has taken, which helps prevent drug interactions and duplicate treatments.
What are the benefits of eMAR?
One of the greatest benefits of the eMAR is the ease with which medical information can be updated and shared. Many eMAR systems are integrated with pharmacy software, meaning when the pharmacy submits an order for a new prescription, it immediately appears in the eMAR and can be accessed by any authorized healthcare professional.
eMARs ensure that up-to-date medication information is always available for optimal patient care. They allow physicians and pharmacists to access a patient’s most recent medication history easily. Additionally, if a patient is referred to a new doctor, sharing the eMAR with them is straightforward, facilitating continuity of care.