Quick Response Codes in Health Care

Quick Response Codes in Health Care

Introduction

The advancement of technology has established new standards for the medical and healthcare. The innovations is field of medical is truly commendable and remarkable. The technology such as Quick Response Codes are known for its compactness and handling. However, many people resist adaption to these sudden improvements due to lack of awareness and hesitate in using such technology (Baumgart, 2011). This paper discusses the knowledge and several health care issues, such as spreading awareness, in using this technology in various ways regarding the elder patients and citizens. Information about the technology includes the advantages and disadvantages of participating in pilot project suggested in the case study scenario or obtaining the tags used by other companies.

Discussion

Healthcare is readily embracing any technology to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations and lower costs. This technology includes the use of mobile applications like Smartphones. Smart scanning and the use of Quick Response (QR) codes are all the rage. You may have noticed these intricately patterned squares appearing in more and more places but did not know their purpose. QR codes provide an opportunity to embed a variety of information, much like traditional bar codes used in grocery stores. But, unlike these codes, QR codes contain URLs (Uniform Resource Locators or web addresses) within them that instantly connect anyone who scans the code. All one needs is a Smartphone, tablet scanner environment, special applications/software, and a reader to hyperlink to a site and obtain information. Readers are free and easy to download from an app store or the Web. Some Smartphones come with this capability.

In health care today, QR codes are used in a variety of ways, e.g., a woman can schedule a mammogram by reading a QR code that provides a link to a web site. QR codes can direct patients to online libraries for information and educational videos. Other convenient functions include accessing some components of electronic health records (EHRs).

Literature Review

There are several health care organizations using this technology in various ways. The QR codes have contributed in the process of refurbishing many organizations who have adopted this system. This is regarded as the best technology due to many limitations in previous gadgets and tools. The comparison of QR codes is usually done with bar codes which have many limitations (Rohs, 2004). Therefore, it is considered the technology which has set new standards in various fields and organizations.

QR codes have the ability to store large amount of information which can be used for future considerations. It also has the ability to integrate several features into a simple unified space where other businesses can access the information according to their need. This process resulted in convenience for the people to carry information without the hurdle of physical storage. The problem related to QR codes is the lack of awareness. This is due to the fact that this is a recent innovation. However, it is gaining popularity thiorugh many public places and social ...