Hospitals and pharmacies are concerned about medical errors which have serious effects. These errors can be avoided by implementation of automated technology like barcodes. It is necessary to verify the medications before dispensing and this can be made easy by barcode system. 2D barcodes are being used for regulation of pharmacies.
During manufacturing process of medicines, 2D barcodes are printed by a specific barcode printer on packaging. Thus, each medicine is provided with a unique barcode number. Information of medicine like its components, dosage, and others are contained in the symbology. Scanning these codes by barcode scanners help in tracking the related information. This can be sent to an electronic data hub by pharmacists for other authorities. The data can be verified quickly by them and can be sent immediately back to the pharmacists. Thus, barcode systems help in easy regulation of medicines for pharmacists, regulators, and government authorities. Any dispensing errors can be avoided by using 2D barcodes.
Application of 2D barcodes in regulation of pharmacies can help in improving the accuracy of medication administration and documentation. It also ensures patient safety. Zebra printers and others are used for printing these barcode labels by many healthcare organizations.