Evidence briefings on interventions to improve medication safety: electronic medication administration records

medication discontinuities. Following on from these perceived benefits are possible improvements in the efficiency of the medication administration process and better medication management for patients. eMARs are populated with electronic medication orders generally entered by doctors (often in conjunction with an electronic prescribing system), but also in some instances by pharmacists, pharmacy technicians or nurses. eMARs are frequently integrated with bar code technology and/or electronic prescribing systems as these combinations improve workflow and increase the potential for significant safety gains. In general terms, to administer a medication using an eMAR, the nurse signs onto the system and selects the medications to be given. Nurses may select a reason for not administering the medication, such as patient refusal if necessary, or confirm administration of each dose. When all administrations are complete, the nurse logs-out of the system. Typically, an electronic signature is stamped against the medications administered and the time at which these administrations were made. Some systems trigger alerts (or orders will change colour)1 when medications are due or overdue etc. Documentation of reasons for medication omission are often mandatory using these systems, ensuring the sixth “right” of medication safety, right documentation of medication administration, is supported.