What is a domMAR in Medications and Pharmacology?

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies have shown that medication administration errors are a significant safety concern in home healthcare settings. A domMAR, which stands for Domiciliary Medication Administration Record, is a crucial tool designed to minimize these risks by providing a detailed, legally binding record of a patient's medication regimen.

Quick Summary

The domiciliary medication administration record (domMAR) is a vital document in home healthcare, detailing prescribed medications, dosages, and administration times to ensure accurate and safe medication management for individuals receiving care at home.

Key Points

Full Name: A domMAR is a Domiciliary Medication Administration Record, a document used in home care.
Primary Purpose: It serves as a comprehensive and legally binding record of all medications administered to a patient in their home.
Enhanced Safety: The domMAR helps reduce the risk of medication errors by providing a clear, dated, and signed record of administration.
Paper vs. Electronic: While many domMARs are paper-based, electronic versions (eMARs) offer automated reminders, enhanced accuracy, and real-time updates.
Ensures Accountability: The detailed documentation ensures accountability for care workers and provides a consistent source of information for all involved parties, including pharmacists and family members.
Standardized Documentation: A domMAR ensures that all necessary medication details, including dosages, timing, and special instructions, are clearly outlined and consistently followed.

Understanding the Domiciliary Medication Administration Record (domMAR)

A domMAR is a specific type of Medication Administration Record (MAR) used in domiciliary or home-based care. Unlike standard MARs used in hospitals, the domMAR is tailored for use by care workers and family members administering medications in a patient's home, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

Often a paper chart from a pharmacy, the domMAR guides carers on the patient's medication plan. It helps prevent errors like missed or incorrect doses. Carers log each administration, sign off, and note any issues such as refusals or side effects. Maintaining a clear and current domMAR is essential for patient safety.

What a domMAR Typically Records

The domMAR is a legally binding document detailing a patient's medication regimen. Key information includes:

Patient Details: Name, date of birth, and allergies.
Medication Information: Names of all prescribed medications.
Dosage and Route: The amount and how the medication is given.
Frequency and Timing: When and how often medication should be administered.
Special Instructions: Specific guidance on administration.
PRN (as-needed) Medications: Details for medications taken as needed.
Administration Log: Dated and timed entries for carers to sign after administration.
Outcome and Notes: Space to record refusals, missed doses, or side effects.

The Shift from Paper to Electronic: domMAR vs. eMAR

The healthcare field is increasingly adopting electronic Medication Administration Records (eMARs), moving away from traditional paper domMARs. These digital systems offer notable benefits, particularly in home care.


Feature	Paper-Based domMAR	Electronic eMAR
Accuracy	Higher risk of errors due to handwriting, transcription, or lost records.	Improved accuracy with automated records and safety features like barcode scanning.
Real-time Updates	Information is not immediately shared with the entire care team.	Provides instant updates and medication schedule notifications.
Accessibility	Limited to the physical document at the patient's home.	Accessible by authorized staff on various devices, enhancing care coordination.
Accountability	Relies on manual, potentially less reliable, signatures and dates.	Offers a detailed digital audit trail for better accountability.
Cost & Efficiency	Lower initial cost but high administrative labor.	Higher initial cost but reduces administrative work and increases efficiency long-term.
Alerts & Warnings	No automated reminders for medications or potential issues.	Provides automated alerts and reminders to prevent missed doses.

The Importance of DomMARs in Ensuring Patient Safety

Regardless of format, a domMAR's primary role is patient safety. For patients with complex medication needs or cognitive issues, precise and consistent administration is vital. The domMAR structure supports this by ensuring the correct medication is given to the right patient, at the right dose, time, and route. This reduces error risks and potential harm, while also facilitating communication among family, carers, and pharmacists. Thus, the domMAR is a key element of safe domiciliary healthcare.

The Evolution and Future of Medication Administration Records

Medication administration records have evolved from basic handwritten notes to advanced electronic systems. While paper domMARs have been reliable, the demand for better patient safety and efficiency has spurred the move towards eMARs. Electronic systems offer automation, improved security, and integration with other health records for a more comprehensive approach to care. Future records may integrate with smart devices for enhanced home healthcare.

Conclusion

The domMAR, or Domiciliary Medication Administration Record, is vital for safe medication management in home care. It provides a detailed, legally binding log of medication administration, ensuring accountability and reducing errors. While paper domMARs exist, eMARs offer increased safety and accessibility. The core purpose remains documenting medication systematically to protect patient health in domiciliary settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

domMAR stands for Domiciliary Medication Administration Record. The term is used in the context of home-based healthcare to refer to the documentation of medication administration.

A domMAR is filled out by the domiciliary care workers or family members who are responsible for administering medication to a patient in their home. The record must be completed each time a dose is given.

Yes, a domMAR is a specific type of MAR tailored for domiciliary (home) care. While both serve the same purpose of documenting medication, the domMAR is used outside of institutional settings and adapted for the home environment.

Accurate documentation is crucial for patient safety. It minimizes the risk of medication errors, ensures accountability, and provides a clear record for all caregivers and healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care.

Electronic eMAR systems reduce human error associated with illegible handwriting, provide real-time updates and alerts for missed doses, and offer an enhanced, more accessible audit trail compared to paper records.

If a patient refuses medication, the care worker should clearly and legibly record the refusal on the domMAR, noting the date, time, and reason for the refusal if possible. The care worker must then report this action to their supervisor or manager.

In domiciliary care, the domMAR is typically kept in a safe and secure location within the patient's home, often near where the medications are stored.