Bar Coded Wrist Bands Another Effort to Prevent Medication Errors

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Some hospitals across the country are already implementing a system by which hospital patients are fitted with a bar coded wrist band that is designed to help prevent medication errors.
The effort is directed at addressing a serious issue in healthcare-7,000 deaths and nearly $1,000,000,000 spent each year related to medication errors in hospital settings.
According to KPLCTV.com, it’s a positive step in the right direction. “The concept is pretty simple. When a patient checks in, they get a wristband with a specific bar code. That will be linked to their medication. If an error pops up, the medical staff is instantly notified. Every patient now gets an arm band with a unique bar code – specific to them and their personal medical information. “Every wristband is tied with a bar code and that bar code stays with the patient throughout their entire visit,” said WCCH Chief Information Officer, Trey Rion.”

Kevin Dugan
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