Quick Overview
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) in Wales has chosen Better to implement an electronic prescribing and medicines administration (ePMA) system across its local hospitals. This initiative is part of NHS Wales’ Digital Medicines Programme, aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of medication management for both patients and healthcare providers.
Key Features and Benefits
- Improved Safety: The ePMA system is designed to make the prescribing and administration of medications safer and more efficient.
- Streamlined Workflows: By digitizing processes, the system will help reduce the time healthcare professionals spend on locating patient information.
- Access to Comprehensive Records: Clinicians will have immediate access to detailed medication records and decision support tools, promoting safer prescribing practices.
- Organizational Analysis: The digital system allows for the analysis of prescribing trends, contributing to ongoing quality improvement and better patient outcomes.
Implementation and Focus
- A dedicated team at ABUHB has been established to ensure the safe rollout of the ePMA system in secondary care.
- Benefits identified include reduced medication spending, improved documentation of allergies, and decreased time spent by staff searching for patient information.
Statements from Leadership
Dr. Melanie Poole, lead ePMA doctor at ABUHB, emphasized the importance of this implementation as a significant advancement in the health board’s digital strategy. She stated, “Safe and effective medication management is at the heart of every hospital patient’s care. By digitizing prescribing and administration, we will streamline workflows and improve efficiency.”
Božidarka Radović, product director at Better, expressed pride in supporting ABUHB’s efforts, noting that the ePMA system will enhance patient safety and streamline healthcare workflows.
Future Plans
- The ePMA system is funded by the Welsh Government and will be integrated into ABUHB’s 10-year healthcare strategy for Gwent.
- In March 2026, the Better ePMA system is set to go live in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the largest health board in Wales, replacing paper-based processes across over 40 sites.
- Additionally, an electronic health record and app will be introduced across Wales in January 2025 to provide mothers-to-be with instant access to their maternity records.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Better ePMA system marks a significant step towards modernizing medication management within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, ultimately aiming to enhance patient safety and healthcare efficiency.