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If you think of scanning a bar code, what might come to mind are the scanners at the grocery store check-out. However, Skaggs Regional Medical Center in Branson is implementing a new system that uses bar codes for patients. KSMU’s Adam Hammons has more on this new technology at Skaggs.
A new system is being used at Skaggs Regional Medical Center in Branson to prevent errors in giving medications to patients. This system uses bar codes to make sure the patient is getting the right medicine, at the right time, and at the right dosage.
The system works this way: nurses scan their own ID, then the medication, and then the patient’s wristband. If there are any errors, there will immediately be an alert for the nurse.
Michelle Leroux, the spokesperson for Skaggs, talks about why the hospital is investing in this new system.
“This is the growing trend of where healthcare is, and what people expect of their healthcare providers. And we want to make sure people know that quality is the top priority at Skaggs.”
Leroux went on to say that 42% of errors made by hospitals are because of human error, and that this will reduce that factor.
Leroux says the new system will also help the nurses at Skaggs which in turn, will help patients.
“This system is going to ensure that they’re not as busy as they have been in the past, and that they can spend more time with you, listening to your needs, and serving your needs.”
Leroux says that this new technology will send medication information to the patient’s physician, nurses, and pharmacist.
Leroux also said that the price of the bar code system will not impact the hospital too much, and that the cost of errors made before the bar codes will outweigh the price of the system itself.
For KSMU News, I’m Adam Hammons.