The uses of QR codes in healthcare
The uses of QR codes in healthcare are many and diverse, from appointment check-ins to hospital wayfinding and even patient note retrieval. Supported by 2D barcode scanning technology, they’re able to store large volumes of data in a range of formats like text, numbers and images, thanks to their matrix format. This makes QR codes effective for use in all kinds of situations – and has led to the adoption of QR code printers and 2D barcode scanners across several industries including healthcare.
The Global Standards One (GS1) standards govern use of barcodes such as QR codes in healthcare. These standards, established by GS1 UK, provide a framework for encoding essential data, providing steer on the inclusion of batch numbers, best before or use by dates, serial numbers, and the item number itself within the 2D barcodes. The GS1 standards are pivotal in ensuring uniformity and accuracy throughout the healthcare supply chain.
As explained by GS1 UK, barcode standards in healthcare contribute to improved patient safety, enhanced traceability, and streamlined processes. These barcodes are scanned using specialised scanners or smartphone apps equipped with camera functionality, allowing for various applications such as accessing websites, displaying text, and tracking inventory.
7 use cases for QR codes in healthcare settings
1. Customer offers & product information
Within hospitals, retail settings such as pharmacies and gift shops often exist for convenience purposes – whether you are picking up a prescription or a present for a friend or family member who’s unwell.
Here, QR codes can be utilised in a number of ways by allowing customers to scan for offers and product information just like in any other retail environment. For example, a patient waiting for a repeat prescription might scan a barcode to access information about over-the-counter medications or to see discounts on certain products in the gift shop.
2. Healthcare information for patients
Patients can also scan QR codes to access specific healthcare information related to their needs. For instance, a poster or brochure promoting flu vaccinations might include a barcode that, when scanned, directs the patient to schedule their annual flu jab appointment, or even provide educational material about the importance of vaccination in the first place.
3. Appointment check-in and check-out
Many hospitals and medical facilities are managing to streamline the appointment management process by introducing the use of modern QR code check-in and check-out systems.
Instead of standing in a long queue at the reception desk, patients can scan a unique QR code on their phone upon arrival to quickly check in for their appointment – and scan it again upon departure. The impact? Reduced wait times and improved administrative efficiency for your reception teams.
4. Hospital wayfinding
Long, winding corridors and difficult-to-spot signage are a common staple of large hospital buildings, which can often present challenges for the patients, visitors, and even staff looking to navigate them. However, QR codes can help here if they are placed strategically in the building, enabling individuals to locate themselves by scanning codes placed at key points or intersections.
To help people to find their way – and ensure that appointments happen on schedule – these codes can direct users to digital maps or provide turn-by-turn directions to their appointment location.
5. Parking payment and prepayment
6. Secure access to patient records
While accessing patient records via QR codes at the bedside might not be practical due to security concerns, there are still ways to implement secure access.
Organisations can implement multi-factor authentication and encryption systems to help safeguard confidential patient information on a trusted platform: medical staff can use QR codes to initiate the authentication process, but access remains limited to authorised personnel only.
7. Food ordering and pickup
Hospitals often have cafeterias or coffee shops where patients, visitors and staff purchase food or hot drinks for their caffeine hit after a particularly long night. QR codes help here by streamlining the order process, allowing customers to scan a code at the counter or table which then directs them to an online menu or ordering platform. In this way, the technology allows for a more efficient and convenient for both dine-in and click-and-collect orders, especially for hospital workers who want to grab a coffee on-the-go.
