Barcode Scan and Hospital Policy

Modern health care involves the proper implementation of new technologies. Offering many benefits, the barcode system and its associated technologies offer many opportunities for policy-making and associated discussion within a hospital.

Types

• Barcode management systems play an important role in many hospitals.

  Barcode administration systems come in many forms, from a variety of manufacturers. Some barcode systems are used for the management of costly hospital assets. Other barcode administration systems are used for managing medication in hospital pharmacies.

Benefits

• The benefits of an asset management bar code system are a reduction in theft and the protection of capital assets. In hospitals, particularly state and public hospitals, capital investments are purchased with public money or through auxiliary fundraisers. Pharmaceutical barcode systems ensure patients receive the appropriate medication, in the appropriate amount at the right time.

Considerations

• When developing policies for barcode systems, it is important that the type of barcode system and the benefits it offers are considered. Policies should always be reflective of the needs of the organization and of the technology the policy is supporting. Engaging a technical policy analyst is a worthy endeavor.