A machine-readable representation of data in the form of parallel lines or squares, used to identify and track items. In healthcare, barcodes often encode patient information, medication details, or medical equipment data.
An electronic device that captures and decodes information from barcodes. Healthcare professionals use barcode scanners to quickly access patient records, administer medications, and manage inventory.
The process of assigning a unique barcode to each patient, ensuring accurate identification in healthcare settings. This enhances patient safety by reducing the risk of errors in treatment and medication administration.
A safety protocol in healthcare involving barcode scanning before administering medication. MAK helps ensure the right patient receives the correct medication at the proper dosage, reducing medication errors.
Digitalized patient health records accessible by healthcare providers. Barcoding integrates with EHR systems, facilitating efficient data entry and retrieval, improving accuracy, and streamlining healthcare workflows.
The use of barcoding to track and manage medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals. This optimizes inventory control, minimizes waste, and helps healthcare facilities maintain cost-effectiveness.
A healthcare approach where diagnostic tests are performed at or near the patient’s location. Barcoding aids in quick and accurate recording of test results, supporting timely decision-making by healthcare professionals.
Barcoding plays a crucial role in labeling and tracking blood units, tissues, and other biological samples. This ensures traceability, quality control, and compliance with regulatory standards in healthcare.
The ability to trace the movement of medical supplies and devices throughout the supply chain. Barcoding enhances visibility, allowing healthcare organizations to monitor product integrity, expiration dates, and recalls.
Adherence to industry regulations and standards related to barcode implementation in healthcare. Compliance ensures patient safety, data security, and consistency in healthcare practices.
Defined formats and structures for encoding data within barcodes. Standardization enables interoperability among different healthcare systems, promoting seamless information exchange.
The ability of different healthcare systems to work together and exchange information. Barcoding fosters interoperability by providing a standardized method for data capture and sharing in diverse healthcare environments.