It is important for residents to be given the freedom and control over their own well being whilst in the Care Home. One of the ways that this can be done is to offer the option of self-medicating to residents that are competent to take control of their own medication. These will still be available to view on Atlas eMAR as the prescriptions will need to be entered by the pharmacy during the dispensing process. Also by being on the Atlas device it ensure that stock levels are kept under control and orders can be placed for the item(s). Staff have a record of when the resident should be taking the medication and in what quantity to ensure that they are following the GP or hospital recommendations.
To set a medicine to self-medicated follow this process:
1. log into Atlas eMAR and click the view residents’ icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Select the residents’ name from the list and either select a medication from the list, click details and edit drug or alternatively click the add drug icon at the top of the screen. For new drugs begin entering the name of the medication and a list will appear with a variety of medications you could be trying to enter; select the correct item from the list ensuring that it is the correct strength and form as well as ingredient.
2. Enter all the relevant dosage and schedule information. Once completed select the managed by option which usually display Atlas device as default and select the self medicating option.
3. Once you have completed this screen, select next and pass the Atlas device to a colleague to double check that all the details are correct and to witness the medication addition.
4. Once completed the Atlas device should be synchronised.
5. The medication will then show move to the manual managed option on the residents’ list, and will not prompt for administration or display a next due date as this cannot be calculate when the medication is not managed by the Atlas device. Regular stock takes will need to be done on this item to ensure that the resident does not run out of medication.