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. Some 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.
QR Codes Nursing
Quick Response (QR) codes are data rich images that can be scanned and decoded instantly by common devices like smartphones and handheld computers. The QR codes are being used in a wide range of sectors for purposes as diverse as marketing and medical records. In this case, QR codes are being used in a medical context. Emergency workers are banking on the ability for QR codes to live up to their "Quick Response" promise to help save lives when time is a critical matter. However, there are some concerns about the logistics and implementation of the QR codes. Relying on technology at a critical life-death moment has its drawbacks, especially in this case due to the fact that the data linked to the code must be up-to-date. Therefore, there are serious accuracy issues that must be addressed first before the QR code program becomes more widespread and commonly available. In addition to the accuracy issues, there are potential ethical issues with how the pilot study is being performed. Informed consent is critical, and this means educating the senior population involved in the study. Other ethical concerns are related to the eventual use of the QR codes only among patient populations who can afford them or who have access to them. Many of the participants will be unfamiliar with smartphones, QR codes, and other new technologies. Finally, the QR code case study draws attention to the potential privacy, information security, and confidentiality problems with new technology. The most important concerns about implementing QR codes in an emergency medical worker scenario include accuracy, ethics, privacy, and security.
Accuracy concerns are linked primarily to the fact that electronic medical record keeping has yet to become robust and standardized. As Estabrooks, et al. (2012) found, there remains a need for information "harmonization" of data in order to ensure the optimal use of electronic medical records (p. 575). There is no use in having a QR code linked to a database that is out of date. Likewise, there might be a situation in which the patient is picked up by a health care team that has no access to the medical records. Until the electronic databases that the QR code is linked with are robust and well maintained, as well as standardized, then the implementation of the program will be limited. It is important to target the entire system and ensure standardization. The case also does not make clear who is inputting the patient medical information. If the seniors are entrusted with this responsibility, then the study might show that the data is inaccurate. If, however, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team are inputting the patient data, then the members of the health care team need to ensure that systems are updated on a daily basis. Any change to a patient's medication status must be inputted immediately.
In addition to the accuracy concerns, ethical concerns related to the implementation of the QR codes include both those related to informed consent in the study, and those related to the socio-economic implications of using QR codes on a wide scale. With regards to how the pilot study is being carried out, the seniors need informed consent. Informed consent is a gold standard in research ethics and a cornerstone of ethical pilot studies as well. The seniors participating in the study need to be thoroughly debriefed about what their participation entails. They need to meet with members of their health care team, who should ensure them that the data is up-to-date, and is being used in a manner consistent with the goals of the study. Informed consent is not the only ethical concern in this case. When the pilot study is completed and a prototype of the program begins, the companies involved have to ensure that all patients have access to the technologies. Medical records are not selectively given to patients; they apply to all patients. Likewise, the electronic records linked to QR codes should be accessible to all patients regardless of socio-economic class background. If the QR code stickers are only available to those who can afford it, there could be serious inequities in care delivery services.
You’re 74% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.