IT is a significant driver for a safer and more efficient healthcare system in "In times of financial prudence, the budget for infrastructure such as IT is often cut to the quick in an attempt to rein in costs. Conversely, industry observers say now is the time to spend because IT has been proven to save money and drive efficiencies. Despite past technology projects going very publicly awry, the Read the full article Taking the pulse.
ID technology integrator Zetes is involved in a project for patient wristbands with two-dimensional (data matrix) barcodes. The wristband contains key demographic information that includes the patient’s name, surname, date of birth, sex and hospital number. The information is now electronically transferable for use by a PDA-type device, mobile computer or any electronic interface.
“We did this for a hospital in Roscommon that wanted to improve its phlebotomy practices. It previously had to print labels and it now uses electronic wristbands,” explains Barry Long, sales manager with Zetes. “This has two advantages: electronic transfer of information and the details on the wristband is consistent and the same as on the hospital’s system.” Barcoding is a fundamental building block in the installation of wireless networks in hospitals and many hospitals throughout the country are either putting in or piloting the technology, according to Long."
