Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) FAQs
Answers:
Q: What is eMAR?
A: eMAR stands for Electronic Medication Administration Record and it is a point-of-care process utilizing bar code reading technology to monitor the bedside administration of medications. Generally accepted inventory management processes include:
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Pharmacy to track medication inventory.
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Inventory management concepts to include item identification
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Patient Wristbands and medical records
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Verification process and decision-making tool at 'point-of-care' at bedside
At the patient bedside, if any of the scanned information does not match the doctor's orders, a warning message is provided to the clinician.
Q: What is the eMAR process?
A: The eMAR process inserts sentry-like activities at the critical bedside point-of-care, minimizing the opportunities for human error or lack of documentation. The process adds the automatic data collection element provided by employing data capturing technology.
Figure 2. Click here for larger Image.
Q: What are the benefits of using eMAR?
A: The overriding benefit of implementing an eMAR system in a hospital is to ensure patient safety and reduce medication administration error. By employing decision-support software applications five different hospitals documented lowering their error rate anywhere from 54 to 87 percent. Hospital administrations can target eMAR systems as a wise investment, supporting the use of member-dollars to implement these processes.
Q: What types of technology are used in the eMAR process?
A: When examining the technology at play in the eMAR process, it's important to understand several items relating to the technology in play:
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Wireless 'Bluetooth' Technology.
Bluetooth wireless technology is used to transmit data or telecommunication signals in a 'Personal Network' scenario. A Personal Network is defined by the hardware/software devices being worn on your person or close to your person.
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Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Technologies - Working Together
Wireless Code readers utilize the Bluetooth V1.2 standard, with Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) to minimize interference between competing signals in a specific radio frequency band - the 2.4GHz band. All Bluetooth devices utilize AFH, providing a proven, standards-based solution to peaceful coexistence between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, and also between one or more Bluetooth Devices within the same transmitting areas.
Q: How can my Code reader be utilized with the host computer?
A: Code reader is paired to a host computer narrowing communication between the two devices only. Both the reader and computer use Bluetooth V1.2 compliant radios to wirelessly transmit and receive data. AFH will coordinate automatically on both ends and the communication channels will maintain connection and bandwidth. By avoiding the Wi-Fi channels, AFH also removes potential interference and degradation of the Wi-Fi signal, thus preserving connection and performance for Wi-Fi applications, even when both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios are being used within the same transmitting area.
Q: Why do users prefer wireless scanners?
A: Wireless Use Scenario is preferred by users because:
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Less 'stuff' to get in the way when at bedside
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Receiving computer can be 'elsewhere' - not right next to the Staff Nurse
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Lightweight ergonomic design - about the size of a cell phone
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Travels easily with nurse from room to room
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Reads ALL bar codes and symbologies
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Vibrate and/or audible beep on 'good read'
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Dynamic Optimization Technology maximizes productivity - quickly adapts reader performance to environment (light, code types, reading frequency, etc.)
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Reader care habits easily implemented and learned - similar to care of cell phones and other equipment shared amongst team members
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Readers can vibrate and/or beep when 'out of range' of host computer, minimizing nurses 'walking off the floor' with readers in their pockets
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Long-life replaceable battery
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Can be ruggedized with Elastomer protective boot
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Handles available for high-volume use (Pharmacies)
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Non-platform specific - integrates easily with any software application
Cabled Use Scenario is preferred only when price is the primary decision factor.
Q: Is it difficult to keep track of these wireless scanners?
A: Each Reader is paired to a host computer. When it is out of range of its host it can be set to vibrate and beep, indicating it can not send scanned data. Data is stored until it is again in range of its host. Should a nurse accidentally put a reader in a pocket and walk off the floor, the nurse will be reminded by the Reader's vibration and an audible beep that the Reader is 'out of range'.
Q: How can I print barcodes to scan in my eMAR process?
A: Label design software coupled with thermal transfer printers and specialized materials allow hospitals to mark a variety of items including unit of use dosing on medications, labels on patient wristbands, labels for charting, laboratory specimen labeling and tracking. The software will allow you to create the information you need when you need it on a label. The benefit of an in-house barcode printing system is that they allow the user flexibility and real time availability of labels to use. Printing systems and identification used throughout the facility can help to ensure patient safety.
For more information on Brady's Healthcare labeling solutions, please contact our Healthcare Labeling Solutions Center.
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