Bedside scanning: safe medication administration

Before administering medication, we scan the barcode on the medication and the barcode on your identification wristband. The scanned medications are then automatically checked against the electronic medical prescription and for potential interactions with other medications you are receiving.
Verpleegkundige scant identificatiebandje bij patiënt

Scanning

If you are admitted to the hospital, you will immediately receive an identification wristband. This ensures we always know who you are.

Before administering medication, nurses will scan the barcodes on the medication and your wristband.

At your bedside

This scan is done right before the medication is administered to you. Medications are packaged in unit doses and labeled with a scannable code.

Automatic check

The scanned medications are automatically checked against the electronic medical prescription and for potential interactions with other medications the patient is receiving.

If it is confirmed that the medication, timing, and patient are correct and no interactions are detected, the medication can be administered.

Safer

Research has shown that bedside scanning significantly reduces medication errors.

Since the introduction of bedside scanning at UZ Leuven, we have observed increased patient safety by preventing medication errors. Additionally, this technology ensures rapid traceability of medications.

Last edit: 7 december 2024