LRMC is Now Live With Electronic Medication Administration Record System
Tuesday, October 4 2011
This is an exciting time at Lakeland Regional Medical Center as we launch our electronic medication administration record (eMAR) system for improved patient safety. This is the second phase of implementation for a complete electronic health record system — which will prove to be one of the largest technological advancements in Lakeland Regional’s 95-year history. When the EHR system is fully implemented next year, care providers will have electronic access to a complete health record for every patient.
Here is a snapshot of what this second phase of the journey involves for Lakeland Regional’s staff and patients:
- Positive patient identification will be implemented as care providers use the “CareMobile,” a hand-held wireless computer device, to scan their patients’ wristbands, as well as their prescribed medication. Once a positive match is made, the medication will be safely administered. This new process will strengthen our “We I.D.” protocol as each patient will still be asked their name and date-of-birth at the time they receive their medication.
- Also, using the CareMobile, our teams will have the ability to record a patient’s vital signs, intakes and outputs electronically rather than on paper charts, which often leave room for error.
- Our teams will utilize bedside mobile workstations to record and access real-time information, such as lab results, radiology reports and hospital-stay history. By utilizing this device, they will also have the ability to document a newly-admitted patient’s allergies and medication history.
Arriving at this phase of implementation has been a result of years of dedicated research, phase-by-phase implementation and extensive training. During the past two months, our physicians, nurses, patient care assistants, pharmacists, radiology team, respiratory team and health unit coordinators have participated in comprehensive training sessions and hands-on learning experiences.
As we work to transform the delivery of healthcare at Lakeland Regional through the provisioning and support of technology, patients can expect a seamless and smooth transition. As always, our core purpose is to improve lives by delivering exceptional healthcare. By moving full-steam ahead to implement the final stages of a comprehensive EHR, we are proud of the positive impact it will have on our patients, our care providers and community at large.
Tony Wong, MD, Watson Clinic, and Andrew Eisner, RN, Lakeland Regional, utilize the bedside mobile workstation.
Robin Warren, RN, showcases how the Caremobile device will be used for positive patient identification.