A dedicated workflow for the scheduling and management of PRN medication
PRN, derived from the Latin phrase pro re nata, translates to “as needed” or “as required”. In a healthcare context, this refers to medications that are prescribed to be administered only when necessary, for example in response to pain or other symptoms.
Getting Started
PRN extends the existing medication functionality within the Management Platform. To access PRN, navigate to the Medication section within the Medical tab of the client profile.
Medical Tab Update
Within the Medication tab, a new column titled ‘Category’ has been introduced to indicate the type of medication. The available categories are:
• Scheduled – Standard, routinely administered medication
• PRN – Medication administered on an as-needed basis
Note: Any medications recorded prior to the introduction of PRN will default to ‘Scheduled’. If a medication is not linked to a task you will be able to update to PRN, however if linked, you will need to end the medication and task and recreate.
Add PRN Medication
To add a PRN medication, click the Add Medication button top right of the page.
The Add Medication screen will appear, now including a Medication Category option.
Add the medication and then select PRN to activate the PRN-specific protocols.
When PRN is chosen as the medication category, the Dose Details section becomes mandatory, ensuring that all necessary information is captured to prevent over-medication. Complete the remaining fields as usual, then click Save.
The Dose Details section includes the following data entry fields:
• Minimum time between doses
• Maximum dose allowance and over what period
These parameters will help guide carers on when the PRN medication can be safely administered.
The new medication will be added to the Medication tab and clearly marked with the PRN category.
Edit PRN Medication
If a medication has been set up incorrectly, you can edit to amend.
To edit a PRN medication, click the Edit icon next to the relevant medication. You can update any of the medication details as required. Once your changes are complete, click Save at the bottom of the screen to apply the updates.
The category of medication can be changed, however, doing so will affect the protocols applied to the medication within the Carer Companion App.
Note: If the dose of the medication has increased/decreased, then please end the current medication and create a new one, to keep your records correct.
PRN on the Carer Companion App
PRN medications will be displayed in the Carer companion App, enabling carers to administer then as required, as long as it is safe to do so. For further details, please refer to the PRN - Carer Companion App
eMAR record
To provide a complete view of medication management, all PRN medications will be included in the Interactive eMAR module and reflected in MAR chart exports.