Electronic medication administration records (eMAR) will play an increasing role in delivering quality care. By electronically verifying each dose of medication that is given to a patient, eMAR can effectively ensure the 5 rights of medication administration: the right drug, right dose, right time, right route, and right patient.

Medical error has become a critical issue:

• Each year about 98,000 deaths in the United States may be due to medical error
• An estimated 770,000 medication errors occur in hospitals each year
• Medication errors may account for 1 out of every 5 deaths or injuries due to medical error
• 38% of medication errors happen at the point of care

When properly implemented, eMAR can make a significant difference.

In a study at a Veterans Affairs medical center, 5.7 million doses of barcoded medications were given without 1 reported error. Experts predict that:

• Bar coding could cut medication errors by as much as 80%
• Medication errors cost the average hospital $2.8 million per year

To view examples of how Rubbermaid Medical Solutions products can assist with eMAR delivery, click on Hybrid or Decentralized Medication Delivery Overview in the left hand navigation.