Dear Colleagues:

As BWH continues to set the national pace on patient safety improvements, we are about to implement the third tier of the Electronic Medication Administration System (EMAS) at BWH. Following the success of computerized order entry and the web-based Pharmacy, eMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record) is closing the loop in our full circle of efforts to mitigate risk during patient care delivery.

Our patients have already benefited from computerized order entry, which began at BWH in 1993, and web-based Pharmacy, which was unveiled in 2003. Further advantages from eMAR can be expected. Through eMAR, transcription becomes automated, individual drugs will be prioritized and all clinicians will have access to patient and medication information in real time.

Verbal orders will be a practice of the past. All orders will be automated and entered into EMAS. Order entry will be directly linked to eMAR, resulting in even greater reduction of medical errors.

I appreciate your flexibility as this new technology is weaved into your work and continue to take pride in the excellent level of care provided to our patients. Cutting edge technology paired with highly specialized practitioners translates into extraordinary care for the patients of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Sincerely,

Andy Whittemore, MD
Chief Medical Officer