Before you start adding a medication schedule you will want to ensure that you have the mandatory details filled in first, you can do this via the About me tab when you first create the profile or you can do it on the Medication tab. If you have already filled this in then you can start adding medication straight away.
How to add medication to the schedule
Select the client you would like to create a medication schedule. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Medication. In the Add a medication search bar , start typing the medication you want to add (ie: “Paracetamol”) and then select the right medication
Note: our database is linked to the NHS so all prescribed medications will be available, if you are having trouble finding the medication please type it in and do not copy and paste
Once you have selected the correct medication you can add more details
Choose what support is needed with the medication
What type of medication it is (a scheduled medication, a PRN or part of a blister pack)
Add the Quantity/range for this medication (ie : 2 tablets)
The route of medication (oral, cutaneous etc)
Add how often the medication is supposed to be taken daily
Choose whether the medication is taken at specific times or during time periods
Set a start date and a stop date if there is one
Add any additional notes the care professionals might need to know, such as a body map if needed
Click on 'Yes, create schedule' when you are happy with the medication
Below are the medication time periods to align with the visit cards
Morning: 6:00 to 10:59
Lunch: 11:00 to 13:59
Afternoon: 14:00 to 17:59
Evening: 18:00 to 21:59
Night: 22:00 to 5:59
If you try to add the same medication to an existing schedule, you will receive a warning message meaning you cannot accidentally add the same medication twice.
The medication will now appear in the Medication Scheduling section in the Medication tab. You will be able to see the full list of scheduled and stopped medications for this care recipient.
For a more in-depth guide on how to create a body map for medication please see this article- Creating a body map for cutaneous medications on Birdie
How to add a PRN medication to the schedule
You can use the same steps above to schedule a PRN medication, you will need to select PRN instead of scheduled when creating it.
If you schedule a PRN medication, the care professional will be able to record the dosage as many times as required during the visit. The MAR chart will automatically update to reflect the number of doses that have been administered.
You will not be alerted for PRN medications not taken.
For a more in-depth guide on how to schedule PRN medication please see this article- PRN Protocols
How to edit a medication schedule
We know that some medications need regular changes and updates so our Medication Manager feature easily allows you to edit any existing active medication schedule.
Select the care recipient and go to their Medication tab. Click on Medication Scheduling, here you will see the list of all active medications. Click the edit button next to the medication name.
You will then be able to change the dosage, frequency and timing of the medication. Click Amend schedule when you are done.
Please note: you cannot edit the type of medication e.g from scheduled to PRN, you will have to create a new schedule
How to stop a medication schedule
If at any time you need to stop a medication, you can do this by heading back into the Medication scheduling section and selecting Edit on the medication you want to stop. On the right-hand side, you will see Stop medication Schedule.
Prefer to watch a video? See below!