Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/683043
60 Executive Briefing Barcode scanners that automate capture data and sync with EHRs in real-time can eliminate this issue and mitigate the risk of a mistake. By enabling the creation of accurate, timely billing statements and prescription orders, barcode scanning can help error-proof some of the most inefficient processes providers struggle with. The technology, which is designed to scan silently to not wake sleeping patients, also mitigates risk of patient harm by matching the right medications to the right individuals based on barcodes. "The matching capability is also helping deter medication fraud, as hospital and retail pharmacies adopt anti-counterfeit directives," Ms. Wilde says. "Certain pharmacy chains around the world have begun using Datalogic's handheld scanners to monitor prescription status and notify patients via secure mes- saging when their mediations are ready for pick up." Infection control An additional concern for medical devices carried from patient to patient and unit to unit is bacteria transfer that could lead to hospital-acquired infections. HAIs affect 1 in 25 patients on any given day and amount to hundreds of thousands of costly and potentially avoidable complications per year, according to the CDC. Datalogic developed scanners that account for this risk, specifically with hospitals in mind. The demand for devices with embedded antimicrobial ad- ditives is growing along with the awareness of threats from pathogens like Clostridium difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Hospitals are also increasingly pe- nalized by CMS for a lack of coordinated effort to curb their infections rates. These elements have many providers taking a hard look at the way they clean and disinfect their IT hardware, especially those used by a variety of people, according to Ms. Wilde. "When you ask hospitals about antimicrobial awareness, you get one of two answers," Ms. Wilde says. "They're either proud of their infection control initiatives that use anti-microbial hard- ware, or they have upcoming initiatives to look into incorporat- ing these solutions. The bottom line: Antimicrobial IT hardware should be implemented in any environment and every vertical where the spread of bacteria is a concern." Datalogic's barcode scanners are designed with disinfec- tant-ready enclosures that withstand regular cleaning with stringent solutions, in addition to antimicrobial additives in the devices themselves that inhibit micro-organism growth. Looking forward In addition to offering creative solutions for known quantities in healthcare, staying on the cutting edge and predicting prob- lems before they present themselves is key. For Datalogic, this year brings the release a number of products combating pain points in healthcare. These include solutions that maximize supply chain efficiency, improve clinician workflow and exceed infection control and patient safety standards. One release is a RFID radio-frequency identification reader that will help staff organize and locate expensive hospital equipment that is easily lost in storage, including everything from respiratory monitors to beds and wheelchairs. Another is an ergonomic, wireless scanner — small enough to allow for storage around the neck or in a pocket — outfitted with disin- fection-ready plastics and antimicrobial additives and easily paired with a laptop, tablet or phone. Lastly, the Datalogic will introduce the Axist, a handheld computer with full-touch HD display for more a more efficient data capture experience. Datalogic is continuing to expand on what has been its core focus since its founding: To develop technology that accurately inspects, tracks and collects data. For healthcare, that results in more secure networks, a happier clinical staff, cleaner environ- ments and safer patients. n "The bottom line: Antimicrobial IT hardware should be imple- mented in any environment and every vertical where the spread of bacteria is a concern." — Gina Wilde, Datalogic's sales manager for Healthcare North America www.datalogic.com Interference Won't Let Me Work devices like cell phones, tablets, monitors, telemetry, Wi-Fi Access Points radio and electromagnetic interference that delay and disrupt care. from Datalogic is resistant to RF noise and data collisions. Contact Datalogic staff from pulling their hair out. Datalogic expertise and technology make healthcare bar code scanning easy, effective, and compliant. Datalogic offers a full line of fixed imagers and scanners as well as handheld scanners and mobile computers that are designed specifically for bedside point of care, prescription administration, patient identification, and laboratory sample traceability. Sponsored by: