e-Mar Open House
 
Alleghany Regional Hospital hosted an open house on Thursday, January 15, 2004 to introduce the hospitals new eMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record) system to the community. eMAR is an innovative tool that ensures ongoing patient safety.
 
Every patient admitted to the hospital receives a
bar-coded ID wristband. The wristband has a number that identifies the patient for the entire hospital stay. When it is time for the patient to receive medication, nurses use a scanner attached to a computer at the bedside to scan the wristband and the medication. The barcode corresponds to the patient's current drug history, including allergies and side effects. The system also checks potency dates and possible drug interactions with multiple prescriptions. If one of the qualifying factors doesn't match, several screen warnings appear to alert the nurse to double check, verify and/or call the doctor before administering the medication.
 
Robin Broughman, Chief Nursing Officer, states: We have spent the last few months training key personal as "super users" who in turn are now training our general staff.” The super users include, Clinical Supervisors: Sam Ballou, Vickie Hutchens, Joey Sparks, Joan Sizemore, Joyce Kennison, Tammy Mullins, and Mary Asma. Health Information Systems: Kathy Moore and Becky Dean. Pharmacy: Tammy Nicely. OB: Cathy Broughman and Tasha Allder. Respiratory Therapy: Tony Smith, Sharon Brown, Bonnie Simpson, and Julie Meadows. ICU: Peggy Loudermilk, Julie Persinger, and Cindy Wright. Medical/Surgery Unit: Chrissy Harris, Erin Martin, Betty Atkins, and Sue Campbell.
 
“Also the dedication of time and energy of the Steering Committee was instrumental in implementing the e-MAR system in a timely and efficient manner.” The Steering Committee includes: Donna Plott, Mary Lynn, Malinda Dressler, Wayne Botkins, Jeffrey Steelman, Carolyn Gibson, Michelle Bruce, Steve Stancil, Chip Peal, Angela Hoke, Mike Warren, Christie Kinsey, Carla Dobbs, Brenda Bratton, Brigetta Harold, Cheryl Dressler, Robin Broughman, Twila Booze and Cindy Durham.
 
"As always, patient safety is first and foremost a top priority here at ARH. The addition of the e-MAR system to our facility ensures that we continue to offer the utmost quality of care to our patients.”