Add Patch Removal Documentation to eMAR

Administration of transdermal patches currently allows staff to select the application site on the body map; however, there is no option to record that the previous patch has been removed.

This presents a documentation gap, as the Care Quality Commission has previously requested evidence that old patches were removed before new ones were applied.

At present, we are required to document patch removal on a separate system, which is time-consuming and increases the risk of duplicated or inconsistent records. It would be far more efficient and safer for staff if both the removal of the old patch and the application of the new patch could be recorded within Atlas eMAR in one place.

Suggested enhancement:

• Add an option within the patch administration workflow to record:

  • previous patch removed

  • date/time removed

  • removal site

  • optional comments/skin assessment

This would improve medication safety, support compliance requirements, and reduce duplicate documentation for care staff.