A Safer Path for I/DD: Reducing Medication Errors, Supporting Staff, Fostering Independence

For community providers who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), navigating medication management can feel unpredictable. Each individual’s unique care plan involves multiple medications, with accuracy required at every step. The destination is better health, but risks of error, medication adherence, and compliance challenges often cloud the way.

In this environment, a long-term care (LTC) pharmacy partner plays an important role, equipping care staff with the systems, expertise, and safeguards that help strengthen medication safety and support the people delivering care.

Precision Matters: Simplifying Compliance

In I/DD, medication administration is a high-stakes responsibility where precision is critical. Individuals often rely on complex multi-drug regimens to maintain their health, quality of life, and independence. A single missed dose or incorrect medication can lead to significant setbacks.

Effective support for medication management goes beyond dispensing medications. It requires processes that make daily routines easier for staff, reduce the chance for error, and ensure compliance.

Tools That Strengthen Safety, Efficiency, and Adherence

Innovative tools can make medication administration smoother and safer, including:

1. Smart Compliance Packaging

Pre-packaged medications, organized by individual, date, and time, reduce guesswork for staff. This not only helps prevent errors but also makes the every medication pass more efficient.

This “smart packaging” puts staff at ease by providing a visual roadmap for medication administration.

• Clear Labeling: Staff can instantly see which medications are due and when, minimizing the risk of human error.

• Simplified Verification: The easy-to-follow layout, combined with barcode-enabled technology, makes it simple to confirm that the right dose is being given at the right time.

• Improved Accountability: The empty packets serve as a clear record of administered doses, enhancing tracking and documentation.

This system creates confidence for care teams, making safe and accurate medication delivery second nature. In addition, it facilitates medication adherence which, in turn, improves health outcomes and fosters independence for individuals with I/DD.

2. eMAR Integration

Pairing compliance packaging with an electronic medication administration record (eMAR) system creates a dynamic workflow where technology does the heavy lifting. Features like barcode scanning, real-time updates, and automated documentation enhance precision and compliance.

When a staff member scans the barcode on a medication packet, the eMAR system automatically documents the administration in the individual’s record. This seamless workflow provides several key advantages:

• Eliminates Transcription Errors: Automation ensures the record is always accurate.

• Provides Real-Time Visibility: Supervisors and clinical leaders have an immediate overview of medication adherence across the community.

• Creates a Permanent, Auditable Record: Digital records simplify compliance reporting and provide a reliable history for audits and care reviews.

This integration provides a strong defense against errors, helps ensure compliance and protects individuals.

3. Enhanced Communication

Effective communication and centralized platforms are critical for I/DD care teams. Pharmacies that provide user-friendly apps and portals designed for secure messaging and real-time updates help staff work smarter, not harder. The most effective tools are HIPAA-compliant and allow teams to:

• Message the pharmacy team, send and receive prescriptions, share photos, and discuss individual needs instantly. Features like secure group chats and read receipts eliminate the back-and-forth of calls and faxes, saving valuable time.
• Access everything in one place. A centralized view keeps medication orders, delivery tracking, and clinical or financial reports at your fingertips. Care staff can monitor order status, refill requests, and usage reports with full transparency. Leadership  also has clear visibility into every step of the process.

The result? Stronger collaboration between direct care professionals, leadership, healthcare providers, and pharmacy partners, ensuring everyone stays connected, informed, and focused on the well-being of the individuals they support.

A Lifeline of Support: Expert Guidance 24/7

Even with the best systems in place, questions or unexpected challenges can arise. A reliable pharmacy partner provides 24/7 access to clinical experts who understand the unique needs of I/DD settings. Whether it’s a medication inquiry or an urgent after-hours issue, having this support empowers staff to act confidently and effectively.

Moving Toward Safer, Person-Centered Care

For community providers who support individuals with I/DD, medication management is about more than compliance–it’s about transforming safety, efficiency and overall care quality. With tools like compliance packaging, integrated eMAR systems, and advanced communication platforms, care teams can reduce errors, streamline workflows, and remain focused on person-centered care.

For leadership, centralized systems provide the visibility needed to maintain compliance and high standards, while staff benefit from simplified processes and reduced stress. Most importantly, individuals with I/DD receive consistent, safe care that not only leads to better health outcomes but also fosters independence.

Kyle Simmons is Co-President of Guardian Pharmacy Services’ Boomer Solutions.