In the complex network of healthcare, every detail counts. From the moment a patient enters a facility until they are discharged, every aspect of care depends on the complete traceability and availability of medications, devices and equipment. However, the consequences of inefficient healthcare supply chains remain. Critical medication shortages, delays or cancellations of procedures due to out-of-stock equipment or devices can jeopardize patient care.
Outdated, paper-based systems are inefficient and prone to errors. Patient records, manual orders, inventory, and all points of data entry result in inaccurate information being stored and shared, and multiple drug and patient mix-ups. The effects can be devastating.
These and many other challenges highlight the immediate need for accurate identification and traceability, which in turn will enable automation to reduce error rates and significantly improve patient outcomes.
The answer
Digital transformation, barcode automation and GS1 standards. How? By implementing unique identification of people, places, medications and devices while automating supply chains, healthcare organizations can unlock a variety of benefits.
Automation goes beyond just inventory control – it enables real-time tracking of medical devices throughout their lifecycle, revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered.
By integrating GS1 standards, instant verification of essential information can be recorded, minimizing errors and ensuring the correct devices, implants and medications are used when treating patients.
Implementing barcode scanners and GS1 standards ensures that the right patient receives the right product or procedure at the right time, which is essential in fast-paced, highly stressful environments. In the event of a drug, medical device or prosthesis recall, the ability to immediately identify affected expiration dates, lot/batch numbers and defects ensures rapid communication and proactive management to minimize risks to patient safety.
Automation also addresses the very real problem of waste in healthcare facilities. By tracking expiration dates, expired medications and devices can be easily identified and inventory can be rotated to reduce waste.
The future
At the heart of this digital transformation is the power of the GS1 standards, which provide a universal language for healthcare products. Implementing these standards enables seamless data exchange across the entire supply chain, from manufacturer to distributor to healthcare facility, promoting proactive management and optimization of resources. Applying GS1 global standards significantly improves every aspect of digital health by ensuring accurate traceability and efficiency.
While the thought of changing and digitizing your current processes may seem overwhelming, the long-term benefits are undeniable and GS1 Australia is here to help. Greater efficiency for overburdened physicians, accurate traceability for peace of mind, high-quality care for patients, and cost savings for healthcare providers contribute to a healthier future for all.
The call to action is clear. The healthcare sector is changing rapidly and the time for the digital future is now.
Learn more about how you can start implementing global standards with GS1 today.
https://bit.ly/4cMljPe