GSI barcodes are the printed series of lines running collimate to each other with changing widths. GSI barcodes inscribe information into computer systems to give an identity to a given product on which the code comes out. Different widths of the bars give a representation of binary information.
Optical scanners read the binary information. The use of GSI barcodes in health care centers is of great importance though some shortcomings arise limiting their use (Corrigan 2004, p.43).
The use of GSI systems in the healthcare centers has several advantages. The GSI systems help doctors to share data among themselves and hospitals in the healthcare system.
This aspect helps in improving the quality and efficiency of clinical care. In addition, complete access of patient’s records reduces medical errors during the time of treatment. Furthermore, measurements of high quality are due to the streamlined data collection (Corrigan 2004, p.43).
Moreover, GSI system acts as a common language and this aspect eases communication problems among the professionals. With effective communication, the safety of patients is improved coupled with product/supply logistics improvement. In addition, proper communication improves the material management coordination (Greater 2005, p.56).
Furthermore, workers and patients get necessary and timely protection in the healthcare system. The protection is due to the unequaled designation and the effectual data carriers given that the systems are able to determine responsibilities and the information flow between the workers and the patients (Corrigan 2004, p.45).
In addition, tracking and tracing of products with external supplies become easier due to the automatic capture of the information in the barcodes. Supplier’s recall procedures are improved. With the above connection, the administrator should have a quick response towards the needs of the customer. In this way, both parties get a competitive advantage (Kohn & Corrigan 2000, p.34).
GSI systems manage risks. Proper identification and product traceability aid in managing any risk that might arise. The application of the GSI system in hospitals takes care of the patient’s safety efficiently. Use of this system in both product and people location and identification assists in avoiding recognition blunders and this facet results to increased security and time saving.
Eradication of the strenuous processes that involve a lot of paper work saves time. With this connection, the medical staff pays much attention for the benefit of the patient (Corrigan 2004, p.47).
GSI systems also play a very vital role in procurement by enabling different hospitals to coordinate their supplies. It helps in identifying each delivery points that are within the healthcare facilities. The delivery points include wards, clinics, and cost centers. During the time of placing orders, the supplier gets instructions of the locations and products to be supplied thus enhancing direct delivery.
In this manner, the efficiency of the procurement process is improved through the elimination of the costly and time-consuming practice of delivery to the warehouses (“The Global Language of Business” 2011). Finally, GSI data structure enhances product authentication; for instance, packing of products in their respective packets enhances authentication.
As far as the use of GSI barcodes is concerned, there are no real limitations observed. The concerned personnel should observe the security and verity of data fed into the system. Security and accuracy of data help in avoiding dangers that might arise during diagnosing a patient (Arcarese 2005, p.47).
In conclusion, the GSI barcode system, when applied to the healthcare system, is of great importance. The GSI barcode systems help in saving time, cost, and resources. In addition, proper identification of risks aids in managing them adequately. However, a lot of care should be taken into consideration when inputting data for accurate results.
References
Arcarese, J., 2005.Report on meeting to discuss unique device identification. Journal of Medical Device regulation, 2(3), pp.47.
Greater, B., 2005. Guidelines for application of EAN UCC markings to animal health Products. International federation for animal health, 67(4), pp.56.
Corrigan, D., 2004. Bar code label requirements for human drug products and biological Products. Federal register, 69(38), pp.43-47.
Kohn, J., & Corrigan, D., 2000. Medical device regulations: global overview and guiding Principles, 78(4), pp.34-36.
“The Global Language of Business”, 2011. Adoption and implementation of GS1 BarCodes and GS1 EPCglobal. Web.