QR Codes in Healthcare

QR Codes in Healthcare

Introduction

Over the past two decades, technology advancements have been seeking ways to improve the quality of human life. A more refined step was taken in 1994 by introducing Quick Response Code (QR) technology for scanning retail point-of-purchase price and inventory control (Shaw, 2012). Since then, QR has widened in its scope of application from automobile industry to digital media. In the healthcare industry, QR usage has launched an improved medical application by offering dual service (QR4, 2013). Hence, the paper conducts comprehensive research on the increased use and application of QR across healthcare industry by various healthcare practitioners. In accord with the given scenario, the paper attempts to discuss associated advantages and disadvantages of using QR codes for medical emergencies and other services. In the light of collected evidence and facts from current literature, the paper summarizes research findings and provides recommendation regarding individual participation in the pilot project.

Discussion

Launching QR codes to improve the efficiency of healthcare practices is a milestone achievement for all the key stakeholders. Use of smart-phones and modern technology enables health practitioners to create a QR code system with dual purpose that assists individuals with healthcare needs and serves medical practitioners with valuable medical details (Educause, 2009). According to Anwar (2012), use of QR codes by patients and practitioners has considerably grown in the US (figure 1). Hence, participation in QR code application can be of great assistance for various parties.

Figure 1: Adult Users of Mobile Barcode and Penetration in US 2011-2014 (Anwar, 2012, p. n.d.)

Advantages and Disadvantages of QR Codes Usage

QR code is a three dimensional bar code, which is used for various healthcare purposes including hospital marketing, contacts, facility maps, appointment for mammogram, and patient education (QR Code Scanning, n.d.). One of the major benefits of using QR code is to easily navigate and locate hospitals and pharmacies in unfamiliar territories. It provides real time information on different conditions. QR code assists medical teams to quickly and accurately respond to an unexpected event by assuring providence of proper and in-time medical treatment (QR Code Scanning, n.d.).

Within the healthcare industry, QR codes are widely used to promote and enhance patient engagement by providing them the facility of viewing coming up schedule for emergency rooms (Cullen, n.d.). It is a real time application of QR codes that helps patients to find a suitable timing to visit the doctor. In addition to ...