on digitalisation . When trusts and their needs are so different across the country , it is difficult to apply one blanket mandate to suit all .

What will a barcoded NHS look like ?

With the Scan4Safety initiative that already kick-started in 2016 , there are some great examples and blueprints of the positive impacts adopting this kind of technology can deliver positive outcomes on patient safety , efficiency , cost saving , patient and staff satisfaction and overall improved workflows .

What does the mandate mean in practice ?

It ’ s important to look at what the mandate consists of and what will be required of trusts . In a move which focuses on digitalisation and longterm sustainability for the NHS , the UK government ’ s mandate specifically calls out that ‘ all trusts should adopt barcode scanning of high-risk medical devices ’ by March 2024 .

What are the challenges and how do trusts overcome these ?

Whilst this first initiative proved to be successful , there are still issues which will arise when looking at implementing a blanket mandate for all trusts across England . Not all trusts are at the same level , whether financially , physically or in relation to where they are on their digital journey , despite the release of funding by NHSX . With many across England participating in the NHS ’ ‘ Recovery Support Programme ’ which helps hospitals facing significant problems with the quality of the care they provide as well as financial issues , it is clear there are other basic priorities for many which don ’ t focus

The implementation of barcode scanning within the healthcare industry will work in tandem with the likes of the Medical Device Outcome Registry platform ( MDOR ) when it comes to high-risk procedures . By capturing data on over two million medical device procedures and over 10 million unique devices used on patients each year across the NHS , it will mean that there is a greater understanding of patient safety in response to the Cumberlege review .

Going beyond point-of-care scanning

The next phase of the SCAN4SAFETY initiative will provide NHS trusts with the next real game changer in health tech management – the implementation of real-time location system ( RTLS ) technologies , such as radio-frequency identification ( RFID ). This will enable employees to track the precise location and movements of medical equipment and patients as they progress through different areas and stages of care . An effective RFID asset tracking system ensures frontline staff have real-time visibility of key equipment to ensure high-quality patient care . �

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