Learning about barcode scanning systems to improve patient safety

When you, your child, or a family member are getting care in a hospital or healthcare facility, you will get a wristband with a barcode on it. In addition to patient wristbands, you may also see barcodes on:

• medicines
• blood products
• samples that are collected for the lab
• medical devices, equipment, and supplies
• human breast milk and fortified formula for pediatric patients

How barcodes work

A patient’s wristband barcode links to their secure electronic patient chart. This chart has valuable information, like your medicines and allergies. Scanning a patient’s wristband helps make sure the right person is receiving the right treatment.

Barcodes can only be scanned and used by members of your healthcare team. If you are getting a medicine in the hospital, for example, a nurse may scan your wristband and then scan the barcode on the medicine. This makes sure that you are getting the right treatment and that your treatment, including detailed information about the medicine, is added to your chart.

Your healthcare providers will confirm your identity 2 ways before providing a health service. This could include asking your full (legal) name, your birthdate, or scanning your wristband.

Sample patient wristband. Actual wristbands may include different information than what it shown.

Barcodes improve patient safety

Barcode scanning improves patient safety by making sure that the right person is getting the right treatment for the right reason. Barcode scanning is one tool that your healthcare team can use to make sure that you get the:

• right medicine or product

• right dose or amount

• right time and frequency for your treatment

• right route (like a medicine taken by mouth or a medicine taken by injection)

Barcode scanning also makes sure that the treatment is documented correctly in the patient’s chart, including information about who ordered the treatment, where a medicine or product came from, and who gave the treatment.

How you can help

Make sure all of the information communicated to your healthcare providers (or your child or family member’s healthcare providers) is accurate. This includes the spelling of your name and your Alberta healthcare number.

Know your medicines and keep an updated list of the prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, herbals, vitamins, and supplements that you take. Include prescription and over-the-counter ointments, creams, or lotions you use. Share this list with your healthcare provider when visiting a hospital, clinic, or emergency room.

Wear your wristband or wristbands and know their value in making sure you get the right treatment. Support your child or family member to wear their wristband at all times. Tell your healthcare provider if your wristband (or your child or family member’s wristband) is damaged or missing.

Barcode scanning improves patient safety. It is OK to remind your healthcare providers to scan your wristband.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions/aspx?hwid=custom.ab_barcode_scanning_pt_safety_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: October 31, 2024

Author: Safe Clinical Practice Program, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.