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The Efficacy Of Barcode scanning in the Operating Rooms

Mr. John Kevin Adede,RN

Clinical Practice Educator, Operating Rooms

The Aga Khan University Hospital,Nrb

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Introduction

  • International patient safety goals (IPSG) are a set of goals established by the Joint Commission International (JCI) with an aim of improving patient safety in healthcare organizations worldwide.

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  • The use of Barcode scanning regarding patient safety goals has proved to be efficient in reducing the risk of errors in the operating room from patient identification to drug administration.

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  • In UK study in Barcode medication administration (BCMA)2020 reported a number of patient safety benefits.
  • The rate of patient identification increased from 74% (of 47) patients to 100% (of 43), with 95% of 255 scannable medication doses verified using the system. 

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Areas of use in the OR

  • Patient identification during sign in

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  • Drug administration intra-op

& PACU

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  • Blood transfusion

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  • Implants scanning intraop

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Key findings & Benefits

  • A study of a barcode‐based verification system for blood transfusions in the OR found that documentation compliance rose dramatically from ~19.6% pre-implementation to ~74.4% immediately after implementation (odds ratio ~10.8).

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  • Over the two years of the study (15,997 transfusions), 45 potential transfusion errors were detected and 36 mismatched blood products averted when the barcode system was used.

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  • Among users: 69% reported the system improved patient safety, 86% reported improved workflow, and 88% reported improved documentation.

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  • When used, no transfusion errors or reactions were reported.

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  • Implication: Barcode scanning in the OR (for transfusions)

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  • meaningfully raises compliance and helps detect/prevent errors.

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Challenges & considerations

  • Workflow disruptions: A qualitative study of barcode point-of-care (POC) systems (though outside the OR) found that users appreciated the safety improvements but reported workflow delays due to unreadable barcodes, device login/logout issues, wireless connectivity problems, and concerns about infection control of shared devices.
  • Implementation/integration: While the transfusion study implemented a barcode system well, it required integration with existing Anesthesia Information Management Systems and electronic medical records (EMR) to be effective.

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  • OR specifics: While many studies focus on medication and transfusion, fewer high‐quality studies focus on barcode scanning of all surgical instruments or implants in the OR.

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  • Barcode vs RFID: While barcode tech is dominant due to cost and simplicity, RFID offers advantages (no line of sight, multiple reads), so some institutions may prefer or adopt hybrid systems

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Summary of Key Benefits

Patient Safety

Fewer transfusion and instrumentation errors; better traceability

Time & Workflow Efficiency

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Large time savings (secs/product, hrs/month), streamlined

documentation

Cost Savings

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Lower labor costs, reduced waste, lesser financial liability

Provider Support

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High adoption when systems are perceived as accurate and

intuitive

System Integration

Enhanced compliance via linking barcodes to EHR, supply chain,

and labs

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Scanning pre blood transfusion

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Surgical implant scanning

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Scanning for patient identification

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Thank you……..