Navigating the Medication Dashboard

Navigating the Medication Dashboard

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the Medication Dashboard and guide users through navigating, filtering, and using dashboard components to manage medication counts, expirations, signatures, and usage. The dashboard serves as a centralized view for monitoring medication activity and taking timely action.


Background Information

The Medication Dashboard is a high-level operational view within the Medications module that consolidates critical medication management information into one screen. It allows authorized users to quickly identify:

  • Due and completed medication counts

  • Expiring or expired medications

  • Pending signatures requiring action

  • Medication usage activity

This dashboard improves situational awareness, supports compliance with medication handling policies, and helps agencies proactively manage inventory and accountability.


Required Permissions

Access to the Medication Dashboard and its features depends on assigned permissions, which may include:

  • Medication Dashboard - Allow

  • Med Kits - Allow

  • Count Medications - Allow

  • Meds - Usage - Allow

  • Complete and Sign Later - Allow

If you cannot access certain dashboard sections, contact your system administrator.


Video

 


Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access Modules

  • Select the First Due logo to view available modules

Select on the First Due logo to locate the Medications module.

 

2. Open the Medication Dashboard

  • Select the Medications module

  • From the menu, select Dashboard

Select the Medications module and from the list select Dashboard.

 

3. Populate Dashboard Data

  • Use the Dropdown selector to choose one or more items (such as locations or kits)

  • The dashboard will populate based on the selected items

To populate information into the Dashboard we need to us the dropdown and select on any or all items.

 

4. View and Start Due Counts

  • From the selected locations:

    • View any Due Counts

    • Select Start Count to begin a medication count directly from the dashboard

 From the Locations selected you can now view any DUE counts along with the ability to begin a count by selecting the Start Count button.

 

5. Review Completed Counts

  • From the selected locations, view Completed Counts

  • Depending on permissions:

    • Select the Eye icon in the Actions column

    • You will be directed to the Medication Log for detailed count information

 Also from the Locations selected you are able to view any completed Counts.

 

6. Monitor Expiring Medications

  • In the Expiring Meds section:

    • View upcoming or expired medications associated with the selected items

  • Select the Icon next to an item to navigate directly to the associated kit or supply

From the Expiring Meds you are able to see any upcoming or expired medications from the selected items.

 

7. Manage Pending Signatures

  • The Pending Signatures section displays items requiring signature completion, including:

    • Counts

    • Receives

    • Removes

    • Transfers

    • Usage

  • Authorized users can complete the required signature workflow from this section

Pending Signatures allows an individual to complete the signature process of any count, receive, remove, transfer, or usage.

 

8. Document and Review Medication Usage

  • In the Usage section:

    • Document new medication usage

    • View existing usage records

  • Depending on permissions:

    • Select the Eye icon in the Actions column to view usage details

From the Usage you are able to document any medication usage and pending permissions you are able to view medication usages by selecting the Eye icon within the Actions column.


Best Practices

Do’s

  • Review the Medication Dashboard regularly to stay ahead of due counts and expirations

  • Complete pending signatures promptly to maintain compliance

  • Use the dashboard as a starting point for daily medication checks

Don’ts

  • Do not ignore expiring medication alerts

  • Avoid delaying required counts or signature completion

Tips & Recommendations

  • Filter dashboard views to focus on your assigned locations or kits

  • Use direct navigation links from the dashboard to save time

  • Incorporate dashboard review into shift-change or daily routines


Troubleshooting & FAQs

Dashboard not displaying data

  • Ensure at least one item is selected in the dropdown

  • Verify you have access to the selected locations or kits

Unable to start a count

  • Confirm you have permission to perform medication counts

  • Check that the count is currently due

Cannot view completed counts or usage

  • Verify view permissions for medication logs and usage records


    • Related Articles

    • Documenting Medication Usage

      Purpose To explain how to document medication usage in the medication module. Video Directions 1. Begin by navigating to the Medications module then selecting either Med Kits or Dashboard. 2. If documenting from the Med Kits, select on a kit from ...
    • Medication Setup: Settings

      Purpose Statement The Medications Settings page allows administrators to configure how medications, medication kits, and controlled substances are tracked, displayed, and managed within First Due. These settings support accountability, compliance, ...
    • Cloning a Dashboard

      Purpose Statement Cloning dashboards allows users to create editable copies of existing dashboards—whether agency-built or provided by First Due. This feature ensures users can tailor dashboard content, modify widget layouts, and personalize ...
    • Associating Reports with the Dashboard Module

      Purpose To demonstrate how to link an Ad-Hoc report to a First Due Dashboard Directions Charts can be viewed inside the Dashboard Module after being constructed within Ad-Hoc reporting. The information in the charts and reports is updated each time ...
    • Sharing a Dashboard

      Purpose Statement To demonstrate how to configure sharing settings for a Dashboard in the Dashboards Module, enabling users to control access permissions and collaboration capabilities for their created dashboards across the organization. Background ...